head to head
vs
Crystal DefendersvsPlants vs. Zombies
Crystal Defenders leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Plants vs. Zombies leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Crystal DefendersPlants vs. Zombies
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 3
Plants vs. Zombies leans harder on variance: Wave timing and lane pressure vary mildly
Optimization9 vs 8
Crystal Defenders leans harder on optimization: Unit placement and upgrade economy is 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.