head to head
vs
Path of Exile 2vsSystem Shock 2
Path of Exile 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); System Shock 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Path of Exile 2System Shock 2
Axis by axis
Execution6 vs 6
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Path of Exile 2 leans harder on reads: PvE only; bosses are scripted, not adaptive
Variance6 vs 4
Path of Exile 2 leans harder on variance: Drop systems and crafting RNG remain central to the experience
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.