head to head
vs
Expeditions: RomevsPillars of Eternity
Expeditions: Rome leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Expeditions: RomePillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Expeditions: Rome leans harder on variance: Hidden diplomacy outcomes and resource distributions create unknowns on first play
Optimization8 vs 9
Pillars of Eternity leans harder on optimization: Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.