head to head
vs
Path of ExilevsXCOM: Enemy Unknown
Path of Exile leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); XCOM: Enemy Unknown leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Path of ExileXCOM: Enemy Unknown
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
XCOM: Enemy Unknown leans harder on reads: Aliens follow scripted AI, never model your specific habits
Variance6 vs 7
XCOM: Enemy Unknown leans harder on variance: Hit chances, crit rolls, and mission spawns create constant RNG swings
Optimization10 vs 8
Path of Exile leans harder on optimization: Passive tree, crafting, and economy form near-infinite theorycraft.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.