Building comparison
head to head
EarthBoundvsThe Forgotten City
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is variance, and it is a single point.
EarthBound
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A subversive JRPG where understanding rolling HP mechanics and PSI optimization defeats its quirky scripted encounters.
The Forgotten City
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A time-loop Roman mystery where deducing each citizen's secret motive unlocks a nonviolent resolution.
EarthBound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Forgotten City leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
EarthBoundThe Forgotten City
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
EarthBound
Rolling HP meter has very mild timing implication
The Forgotten City
Combat is technically possible but almost never the optimal path
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
EarthBound
All enemies scripted with fixed attack patterns
The Forgotten City
Roman citizens follow scripted roles within the time-loop logic
Variance4 vs 3
EarthBound leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
EarthBound
PSI randomness, enemy attack variety, and encounter triggers add unpredictability
The Forgotten City
Hidden motivations and loop-dependent states create investigative uncertainty
Optimization7 vs 8
The Forgotten City leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
EarthBound
Status effects, rolling HP strategy, and Franklin Badge usage are solvable
The Forgotten City
Identifying the correct non-violent resolution path for each citizen is a solvable deduction
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.