head to head
vs
Grim FandangovsShivers
Grim Fandango leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Shivers leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Grim FandangoShivers
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 3
Shivers leans harder on variance: Vessel locations and museum lore are hidden until explored
Optimization8 vs 7
Grim Fandango leans harder on optimization: Surreal multi-act puzzle chains demand patient causal reasoning
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.