head to head
vs
Ghost of a TalevsStarbound
Ghost of a Tale leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Starbound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Ghost of a TaleStarbound
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 4
Starbound leans harder on variance: Procedural planets and loot keep early exploration unknown
Optimization6 vs 7
Starbound leans harder on optimization: Gear tiers, farming, and progression routes dominate
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.