head to head
vs
PentimentvsThe Complex
Pentiment leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); The Complex leans Variance (Light / Casual).
PentimentThe Complex
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 0
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 0
Pentiment leans harder on reads: NPCs react to choices but scripted.
Variance3 vs 3
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization4 vs 3
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.