head to head
vs
Death SquaredvsHitman
Death Squared leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Hitman leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Death SquaredHitman
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.
Variance3 vs 2
Death Squared leans harder on variance: Hidden traps punish until discovered, then stay fixed
Optimization7 vs 8
Hitman leans harder on optimization: planning routes and disguises is fully solvable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.