head to head
vs
New Star ManagervsThe Banner Saga
New Star Manager leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
New Star ManagerThe Banner Saga
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
New Star Manager leans harder on reads: AI opponents follow systems, not adaptive mind-modelling
Variance5 vs 5
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization8 vs 7
New Star Manager leans harder on optimization: Squad building, training and tactics are the solvable core
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.