head to head
vs
FTL: Faster Than LightvsX-COM: Apocalypse
FTL: Faster Than Light leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); X-COM: Apocalypse leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
FTL: Faster Than LightX-COM: Apocalypse
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
FTL: Faster Than Light leans harder on execution: Pause-and-play tactics, no input precision.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance7 vs 6
FTL: Faster Than Light leans harder on variance: Sector events and shop rolls drive runs.
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.