head to head
vs
Master of Orion (2016)vsPlague Inc: Evolved
Master of Orion (2016) leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Plague Inc: Evolved leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Master of Orion (2016)Plague Inc: Evolved
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Master of Orion (2016) leans harder on reads: AI races follow defined personalities without adapting to your play
Variance5 vs 4
Master of Orion (2016) leans harder on variance: Random galaxy generation and diplomatic outcomes add hidden elements
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.