head to head
vs
Fallout 2vsMonster Rancher 2
Fallout 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Monster Rancher 2 leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Fallout 2Monster Rancher 2
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 6
Monster Rancher 2 leans harder on variance: CD-generated monsters and hidden stats define the discovery game.
Optimization9 vs 8
Fallout 2 leans harder on optimization: SPECIAL and skill tagging with Gifted trait produce well-known dominant build strategies
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.