head to head
vs
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgevsThe Banner Saga 3
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga 3 leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive AgeThe Banner Saga 3
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 5
The Banner Saga 3 leans harder on variance: Corruption mechanic and dwindling resources push variance pressure higher
Optimization8 vs 7
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age leans harder on optimization: Skill tree routing, Pep power sequencing, and party healing economy reward planning
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.