head to head
vs
Hay DayvsZoo Tycoon
Hay Day leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Zoo Tycoon leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Hay DayZoo Tycoon
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 0
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 1
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 8
Zoo Tycoon leans harder on optimization: Exhibit suitability, finances, guest flow are solvable systems
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.