head to head
vs
MouthwashingvsThe Inpatient
Mouthwashing leans Optimization (Light / Casual); The Inpatient leans Variance (Light / Casual).
MouthwashingThe Inpatient
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.
Variance2 vs 3
The Inpatient leans harder on variance: Branch outcomes are hidden until a choice is made
Optimization3 vs 2
Mouthwashing leans harder on optimization: Light puzzles guide a fixed story
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.