Building comparison
head to head
Murder by NumbersvsThe Secret of Monkey Island
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Murder by Numbers
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A visual-novel mystery where every clue is uncovered by solving picross puzzles.
The Secret of Monkey Island
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A fixed-solution puzzle adventure where finding the right inventory combination unlocks every obstacle.
Murder by Numbers leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Secret of Monkey Island leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Murder by NumbersThe Secret of Monkey Island
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Murder by Numbers
Filling grids unhurried; no dexterity ceiling.
The Secret of Monkey Island
Clicking inventory items demands no twitch skill whatsoever
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Murder by Numbers
Suspects are scripted; mystery never adapts.
The Secret of Monkey Island
No adaptive opponent; all puzzles are fixed and authored
Variance2 vs 2
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Murder by Numbers
Whodunit unknown on first pass; picross grids are deterministic.
The Secret of Monkey Island
Some hidden items require exploration but solutions are invariant
Optimization8 vs 8
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Murder by Numbers
Nonogram deduction is the literal core loop.
The Secret of Monkey Island
Correct item combinations and dialogue chains fully determine progress
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.