head to head
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A turn-based JRPG won by persona fusion and social-link routing.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
The definitive Johto adventure, adding animated sprites and the Suicune storyline across two regions.
Persona 3 Reload leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pokemon Crystal Version leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Persona 3 Reload leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Persona 3 Reload
Turn-based, low input demand
Pokemon Crystal Version
Menu-driven battles; zero hands requirement
Pokemon Crystal Version leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Persona 3 Reload
Scripted enemies and bosses
Pokemon Crystal Version
Scripted trainers; human link battles are optional
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Persona 3 Reload
Weakness, crit, and fusion rolls
Pokemon Crystal Version
Encounter and catch RNG, shiny odds, crit rolls
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Persona 3 Reload
Persona fusion and social link routing central
Pokemon Crystal Version
Type charts, movesets, and two-region routing dominate
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.