head to head
vs
Curious ExpeditionvsX-COM: UFO Defense
Curious Expedition leans Variance (Systems & Chaos); X-COM: UFO Defense leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Curious ExpeditionX-COM: UFO Defense
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 1
X-COM: UFO Defense leans harder on execution: Turn-based; only inventory clicking
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance8 vs 6
Curious Expedition leans harder on variance: Hidden hex maps, event rolls and sanity gambles
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.