Building comparison
head to head
Fallout: New VegasvsSystem Shock 2
System Shock 2 asks more than Fallout: New Vegas, and the gap is execution.
Fallout: New Vegas
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A faction-driven RPG-shooter where build and route planning shape every ending.
System Shock 2
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An immersive-sim RPG demanding intricate build optimisation and resource management aboard a hostile alien-infested starship.
Fallout: New Vegas leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); System Shock 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Fallout: New VegasSystem Shock 2
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 6
System Shock 2 leans clearly harder on execution.
Fallout: New Vegas
Shooter inputs with VATS assist
System Shock 2
Weapon degradation and limited stats moderate the raw aim ceiling
Reads1 vs 0
Fallout: New Vegas leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Scripted factions and enemies
System Shock 2
All enemies are scripted with fixed patrol and attack routines
Variance2 vs 4
System Shock 2 leans clearly harder on variance.
Fallout: New Vegas
Some loot and crit RNG
System Shock 2
Random loot locations and psi powers introduce run-to-run variance
Optimization8 vs 9
System Shock 2 leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Fallout: New Vegas
Faction routing, perks, builds heavily rewarded
System Shock 2
Deep build tree and resource conservation define the entire skill ceiling
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.