head to head
vs
HadesvsThe First Descendant
Hades leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); The First Descendant leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
HadesThe First Descendant
Axis by axis
Execution7 vs 6
Hades leans harder on execution: Dash-attack timing and dodging drive moment-to-moment fights.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 6
The First Descendant leans harder on variance: Module drop RNG and Descendant unlock rates drive the grind
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.