head to head
vs
EarthBoundvsThe Banner Saga 2
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga 2 leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
EarthBoundThe Banner Saga 2
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
The Banner Saga 2 leans harder on reads: No PvP; scripted enemy priority unchanged
Variance4 vs 5
The Banner Saga 2 leans harder on variance: Caravan supply scarcity and battle RNG compound into harder variance
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.