head to head
vs
Diplomacy is Not an OptionvsPlanet Zoo
Diplomacy is Not an Option leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Planet Zoo leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Diplomacy is Not an OptionPlanet Zoo
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Diplomacy is Not an Option leans harder on reads: Enemy hordes follow scripted waves, not adapting
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization9 vs 8
Diplomacy is Not an Option leans harder on optimization: Economy, defenses and army composition against scaling waves
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.