head to head
vs
Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasvsSaints Row: The Third
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Saints Row: The Third leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasSaints Row: The Third
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 5
Saints Row: The Third leans harder on execution: Generous shooting and driving keep the skill bar moderate
Reads0 vs 1
Saints Row: The Third leans harder on reads: Enemy syndicates never adapt to you
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization6 vs 5
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas leans harder on optimization: Stats, gym, weapon skill, and routes reward systematic play
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.