head to head
EarthBoundvsPokémon Pearl Version
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pokémon Pearl Version leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
EarthBoundPokémon Pearl Version
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
EarthBound leans harder on execution: Rolling HP meter has very mild timing implication
Reads0 vs 1
Pokémon Pearl Version leans harder on reads: Gym leaders are scripted; online battles are optional
Variance4 vs 4
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
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.

