head to head
vs
JacksmithvsPlanet Coaster
Jacksmith leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Planet Coaster leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
JacksmithPlanet Coaster
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 3
Jacksmith leans harder on execution: Timing the forging mini-games requires some precision
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 8
Planet Coaster leans harder on optimization: Queue routing, pricing, and ride placement are the solvable core
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.