head to head
vs
Crusader Kings IIvsTerraforming Mars
Crusader Kings II leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Terraforming Mars leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Crusader Kings IITerraforming Mars
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 0
Crusader Kings II leans harder on execution: pausable, no reflex
Reads3 vs 4
Terraforming Mars leans harder on reads: Opponents contest milestones, awards, and board placement
Variance5 vs 5
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 9
Terraforming Mars leans harder on optimization: Income engines and VP efficiency are the whole game
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.