Building comparison
head to head
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a HerovsThe Sims
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A class-based adventure-RPG hybrid about solving puzzles as a chosen hero archetype.
The Sims
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An open-ended needs-and-money system that rewards efficient scheduling.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Sims leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a HeroThe Sims
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero
minimal action, some timed puzzle sequences
The Sims
Clicking menus has no physical ceiling
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero
scripted monster encounters, no adaptation
The Sims
Sims run need-driven scripts, not minds
Variance3 vs 2
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero
random encounters and skill-check rolls
The Sims
Event rolls add flavour, all quickly mapped
Optimization6 vs 6
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Hero's Quest: So You Want to Be a Hero
class-based build and puzzle-solving depth
The Sims
Need scheduling, career grinding and money loops are solvable
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.