head to head
vs
EarthBoundvsOrcs & Elves
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Orcs & Elves leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
EarthBoundOrcs & Elves
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
Orcs & Elves leans harder on reads: Monsters follow fixed scripts, not adapting
Variance4 vs 3
EarthBound leans harder on variance: PSI randomness, enemy attack variety, and encounter triggers add unpredictability
Optimization7 vs 7
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.