head to head
vs
MachinariumvsMario's Picross
Machinarium leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Mario's Picross leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
MachinariumMario's Picross
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
Machinarium leans harder on execution: A handful of mini-games require basic timing and clicking precision
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Machinarium leans harder on variance: Arcade mini-games add minor randomness but are skipable
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.