head to head
vs
Grim FandangovsMario's Picross
Grim Fandango leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Mario's Picross leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Grim FandangoMario's Picross
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Grim Fandango leans harder on variance: A few timed sequences add minor uncertainty but nothing critical
Optimization8 vs 9
Mario's Picross leans harder on optimization: Pure nonogram logic; every puzzle literally solvable.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.