head to head
vs
HobvsIco
Hob leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Ico leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
HobIco
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 3
Hob leans harder on execution: Dodge-roll combat and platforming with moderate timing
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 1
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization6 vs 7
Ico leans harder on optimization: Escort routing and environmental puzzle solving
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.