head to head
vs
GothicvsStar Control: Origins
Gothic leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Star Control: Origins leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
GothicStar Control: Origins
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 4
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
Star Control: Origins leans harder on reads: Alien factions follow fixed dialogue and combat scripts
Variance3 vs 3
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 6
Gothic leans harder on optimization: Faction routes, skill investment, and world knowledge
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.