head to head
vs
Loop HerovsX-COM: UFO Defense
Loop Hero leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); X-COM: UFO Defense leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Loop HeroX-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.
Variance5 vs 6
X-COM: UFO Defense leans harder on variance: Hit rolls, random maps, and unseen aliens punish constantly
Optimization9 vs 8
Loop Hero leans harder on optimization: Deck and tile placement reward deep optimization.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.