head to head
vs
Diablo IIvsSlay the Spire
Diablo II leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Slay the Spire leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Diablo IISlay the Spire
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 0
Diablo II leans harder on execution: Positioning and potion reflexes, little else physical
Reads0 vs 1
Slay the Spire leans harder on reads: Enemy intents shown; behaviour scripted, not adaptive.
Variance6 vs 7
Slay the Spire leans harder on variance: Card and relic offers drive every run.
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.