Building comparison
head to head
Fallout: New VegasvsFinal Fantasy XIII-2
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Fallout: New Vegas
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A faction-driven RPG-shooter where build and route planning shape every ending.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A time-hopping JRPG sequel built on stagger combos, paradigm switching, and collecting tameable monsters.
Fallout: New Vegas leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Final Fantasy XIII-2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Fallout: New VegasFinal Fantasy XIII-2
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 3
Fallout: New Vegas leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Shooter inputs with VATS assist
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Real-time paradigm shifts and QTEs need modest timing.
Reads1 vs 0
Fallout: New Vegas leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Scripted factions and enemies
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Boss behaviours are scripted and learnable.
Variance2 vs 3
Final Fantasy XIII-2 leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Some loot and crit RNG
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Monster drops and timeline secrets until catalogued.
Optimization8 vs 8
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Fallout: New Vegas
Faction routing, perks, builds heavily rewarded
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Paradigm decks, monster builds, and stagger routing are the game.
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.