head to head
vs
EarthBoundvsSacred
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Sacred leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
EarthBoundSacred
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 5
Sacred leans harder on variance: Loot drops and random world events
Optimization7 vs 8
Sacred leans harder on optimization: Combat art combos, rune management, build 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.