head to head
vs
Kerbal Space ProgramvsOuter Wilds
Kerbal Space Program leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Outer Wilds leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Kerbal Space ProgramOuter Wilds
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 2
Kerbal Space Program leans harder on execution: Manual piloting, docking precision
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Kerbal Space Program leans harder on variance: Light reentry and physics variance
Optimization10 vs 9
Kerbal Space Program leans harder on optimization: Rocket design, delta-v budget, mission planning
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.