head to head
vs
EarthBoundvsThe Banner Saga 3
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga 3 leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
EarthBoundThe Banner Saga 3
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
The Banner Saga 3 leans harder on reads: Enemy AI remains scripted; Dredge patterns are fixed
Variance4 vs 5
The Banner Saga 3 leans harder on variance: Corruption mechanic and dwindling resources push variance pressure higher
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.