head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
The poppy direct sequel to FFX where Yuna's trio swaps job dresspheres mid-battle across Spira.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A grid-based dungeon crawler about deep party building and environmental puzzles.
Final Fantasy X-2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Bard's Tale IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy X-2
Active Time Battle rewards quick menuing slightly.
The Bard's Tale IV
grid-based combat needs little manual skill
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy X-2
All enemies follow scripted AI routines.
The Bard's Tale IV
scripted monster AI, no true adaptation
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy X-2
Drop rates and unknown encounters until mapped.
The Bard's Tale IV
loot and encounter randomness
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy X-2
Dressphere builds, garment grids, and completion routing dominate.
The Bard's Tale IV
deep party build and puzzle-solving systems
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.