head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
Sequel lair-management sim of traps, minions, and global schemes.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
Methodically dissecting intricate puzzle boxes whose mechanisms are fully solvable.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Room Three leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Menu-driven management, no pressure
The Room Three
Rotating and prodding mechanisms takes no dexterity
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Investigator AI is rule-based
The Room Three
The Craftsman is narrative dressing, not an adaptive mind
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Agent waves and scheme event rolls
The Room Three
Hidden mechanisms are unknown until inspected, then fixed
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination
Lair logistics and minion economy tuning
The Room Three
Each puzzle box is a fully solvable mechanical system
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.