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
An RPG where programming automated gambit systems and optimizing builds is the true skill test.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
Cozy castle-builder with optimization-friendly layouts.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Kingdoms and Castles 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 XII: The Zodiac Age
no real-time physical skill, gambit-automated
Kingdoms and Castles
no reflex
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
no adaptive opponents, scripted encounters
Kingdoms and Castles
scripted viking raids
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
loot and encounter randomness present
Kingdoms and Castles
raid and disaster timing
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
gambit and job builds are near-solvable
Kingdoms and Castles
layouts, taxes, defenses
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.