head to head
vs
Detective PikachuvsThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Detective Pikachu leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); The Vanishing of Ethan Carter leans Optimization (Light / Casual).
Detective PikachuThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 2
Detective Pikachu leans harder on variance: Case facts are hidden until testimony reveals them
Optimization4 vs 3
Detective Pikachu leans harder on optimization: Assembling clues into conclusions is gentle fixed logic
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.