head to head
vs
Heavy RainvsThe Gunk
Heavy Rain leans Execution (Light / Casual); The Gunk leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
Heavy RainThe Gunk
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Heavy Rain leans harder on variance: First-run uncertainty about consequences
Optimization3 vs 4
The Gunk leans harder on optimization: Resource scanning and upgrade routing add light structure
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.