head to head
vs
Crusader Kings IIvsHeroes of Might and Magic IV
Crusader Kings II leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Heroes of Might and Magic IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Crusader Kings IIHeroes of Might and Magic IV
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads3 vs 3
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Crusader Kings II leans harder on variance: dynastic events, traits, intrigue
Optimization7 vs 8
Heroes of Might and Magic IV leans harder on optimization: army building and economy near-solvable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.