head to head
vs
Grim FandangovsZero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
Grim Fandango leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Grim FandangoZero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
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
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward leans harder on variance: Hidden partner allegiances and chromatic door codes obscure paths
Optimization8 vs 8
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.