head to head
vs
Hello NeighborvsSonic Eraser
Hello Neighbor leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Sonic Eraser leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
Hello NeighborSonic Eraser
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 4
Sonic Eraser leans harder on execution: Placing pieces fast helps but isn't twitch-defining
Reads2 vs 4
Sonic Eraser leans harder on reads: Versus mode rewards predicting opponent's board state
Variance5 vs 4
Hello Neighbor leans harder on variance: Neighbor patrols and traps feel erratic
Optimization6 vs 6
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.