head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A speedy GBA metroidvania that doubles its castle into two mirrored layouts to untangle.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A first-person puzzle game about solving surreal dream-logic challenges.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Suicide Guy leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Fast dashes make combat forgiving.
Suicide Guy
Some platforming, but timing rarely strict
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Scripted enemies and bosses.
Suicide Guy
Solo dream puzzles, no adversary
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Minor relic and drop luck.
Suicide Guy
Puzzle setups are fixed, nothing random
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Twin-castle navigation and spellbook combos carry it.
Suicide Guy
Figuring out each dream's puzzle solution is the game
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.