head to head
vs
Incubation: Time Is Running OutvsPillars of Eternity
Incubation: Time Is Running Out leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Incubation: Time Is Running OutPillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Incubation: Time Is Running Out leans harder on reads: Alien AI is scripted, ambush-driven not adaptive
Variance4 vs 4
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization8 vs 9
Pillars of Eternity leans harder on optimization: Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.