Building comparison
head to head
Craft the WorldvsEarthBound
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Craft the World
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Optimising a dwarf fortress economy against a randomly generated world.
EarthBound
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A subversive JRPG where understanding rolling HP mechanics and PSI optimization defeats its quirky scripted encounters.
Craft the World leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Craft the WorldEarthBound
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Craft the World
Indirect dwarf orders mean hands barely matter
EarthBound
Rolling HP meter has very mild timing implication
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Craft the World
Monster waves follow predictable scripted triggers
EarthBound
All enemies scripted with fixed attack patterns
Variance4 vs 4
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Craft the World
Random world generation hides resources until dug out
EarthBound
PSI randomness, enemy attack variety, and encounter triggers add unpredictability
Optimization7 vs 7
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Craft the World
Fortress layout, tech tree and crafting chains are the real game
EarthBound
Status effects, rolling HP strategy, and Franklin Badge usage are solvable
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.