head to head
vs
NorcovsPentiment
Norco leans Optimization (Light / Casual); Pentiment leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
NorcoPentiment
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 0
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 3
Pentiment leans harder on variance: Hidden evidence and outcomes vary by playthrough.
Optimization3 vs 4
Pentiment leans harder on optimization: Dialogue and time budgeting reward planning.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.