head to head
vs
Horizon Zero DawnvsWay of the Samurai 2
Horizon Zero Dawn leans Execution (Practiced Mastery); Way of the Samurai 2 leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
Horizon Zero DawnWay of the Samurai 2
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 6
Way of the Samurai 2 leans harder on execution: Stance-based swordplay timing and parries carry combat
Reads1 vs 0
Horizon Zero Dawn leans harder on reads: Machines follow fixed patterns, not adapting.
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization5 vs 5
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.