head to head
vs
InsurmountablevsX-COM: UFO Defense
Insurmountable leans Variance (Systems & Chaos); X-COM: UFO Defense leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
InsurmountableX-COM: UFO Defense
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance7 vs 6
Insurmountable leans harder on variance: Random mountains, weather and events define every ascent
Optimization7 vs 8
X-COM: UFO Defense leans harder on optimization: Base economy, research order, and tactical doctrine are masterable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.