head to head
vs
GeistvsNieR
Geist leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); NieR leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
GeistNieR
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 5
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 2
NieR leans harder on variance: loot and encounter randomness
Optimization6 vs 5
Geist leans harder on optimization: Figuring out the right possession chain is the core puzzle
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.