head to head
vs
EarthBoundvsPhantasy Star IV
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Phantasy Star IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
EarthBoundPhantasy Star IV
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 3
EarthBound leans harder on variance: PSI randomness, enemy attack variety, and encounter triggers add unpredictability
Optimization7 vs 8
Phantasy Star IV leans harder on optimization: Macro combo chains and technique sequencing are memorizable optimal patterns
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.