head to head
vs
Curious Expedition 2vsX-COM: UFO Defense
Curious Expedition 2 leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); X-COM: UFO Defense leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Curious Expedition 2X-COM: UFO Defense
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Curious Expedition 2 leans harder on reads: Encounters scripted/random, no adaptive opponent
Variance6 vs 6
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 8
X-COM: UFO Defense leans harder on optimization: Base economy, research order, and tactical doctrine are masterable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.