head to head
vs
Grim FandangovsRise of the Golden Idol
Grim Fandango leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Rise of the Golden Idol leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Grim FandangoRise of the Golden Idol
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 0
Grim Fandango leans harder on execution: Tank controls are awkward but never a skill test
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 3
Rise of the Golden Idol leans harder on variance: Hidden roles and motives form layered investigative uncertainty
Optimization8 vs 10
Rise of the Golden Idol leans harder on optimization: Closed-world deduction chain converges to exactly one correct answer per scene
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.