head to head
vs
Civilization VvsIcewind Dale II
Civilization V leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Icewind Dale II leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Civilization VIcewind Dale II
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Civilization V leans harder on reads: AI follows scripted personalities, not genuine player modelling
Variance5 vs 4
Civilization V leans harder on variance: Random starts, barbarian spawns, and goody huts create hidden unknowns
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.