head to head
vs
DarkstonevsTorchlight
Darkstone leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Torchlight leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
DarkstoneTorchlight
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance6 vs 5
Darkstone leans harder on variance: Randomized dungeons and quest selection each playthrough
Optimization7 vs 8
Torchlight leans harder on optimization: Build paths and gear stats are the real 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.