head to head
vs
Fire Emblem FatesvsPillars of Eternity
Fire Emblem Fates leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Fire Emblem FatesPillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Fire Emblem Fates leans harder on variance: Dual-strike/guard procs and hit rates inject meaningful RNG
Optimization8 vs 9
Pillars of Eternity leans harder on optimization: Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.