head to head
vs
Core KeepervsEarthBound
Core Keeper leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Core KeeperEarthBound
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 2
Core Keeper leans harder on execution: Boss fights and melee require learned dodge timing
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Core Keeper leans harder on variance: World seed, ore placement, and loot drops are randomised
Optimization7 vs 7
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.