Building comparison
head to head
Fallout: New VegasvsRiven
Fallout: New Vegas asks more than Riven, and the gap is execution.
Fallout: New Vegas
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A faction-driven RPG-shooter where build and route planning shape every ending.
Riven
Optimization · Pure Optimization
The Myst sequel: a slow, wordless puzzle adventure solved by observing an alien world's internal logic.
Fallout: New Vegas leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Riven leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Fallout: New VegasRiven
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 0
Fallout: New Vegas leans clearly harder on execution.
Fallout: New Vegas
Shooter inputs with VATS assist
Riven
Point-and-click; no dexterity required at all
Reads1 vs 0
Fallout: New Vegas leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Scripted factions and enemies
Riven
No opponent of any kind
Variance2 vs 2
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Fallout: New Vegas
Some loot and crit RNG
Riven
Information is hidden only until you observe it
Optimization8 vs 9
Riven leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Faction routing, perks, builds heavily rewarded
Riven
Deciphering the world's logic is one giant solvable puzzle
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.