head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Optimization · Practiced Mastery
Co-op superhero brawler about assembling the right four-hero squad and builds.

Optimization · Practiced Mastery
A team-based Marvel ARPG where squad building and skill point allocation beat raw reflexes.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
brawling and dodge timing are forgiving
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Brawling and power timing are light demands.
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
enemies are scripted mobs
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Scripted mutant enemies, no adaptation.
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
some loot and unlock randomness
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Minor loot randomness in equipment drops.
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
team bonuses, gear, and skill builds carry difficulty
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Team composition and skill allocation carry the campaign.
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.