head to head
vs
Dark CloudvsTerraria
Dark Cloud leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Terraria leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Dark CloudTerraria
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 4
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 3
Dark Cloud leans harder on variance: randomized dungeon floors and drops
Optimization7 vs 8
Terraria leans harder on optimization: Gear progression and arena prep solve every boss.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.