head to head
vs
Deus ExvsSystem Shock 2
Deus Ex leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); System Shock 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Deus ExSystem Shock 2
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 6
System Shock 2 leans harder on execution: Weapon degradation and limited stats moderate the raw aim ceiling
Reads1 vs 0
Deus Ex leans harder on reads: NPCs follow scripted patrol routes, not adaptive modelling
Variance3 vs 4
System Shock 2 leans harder on variance: Random loot locations and psi powers introduce run-to-run variance
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.