Building comparison
head to head
Planescape: TormentvsPokémon SoulSilver Version
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Planescape: Torment
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A narrative RPG that tests knowledge of its philosophical systems and dialogue trees more than any combat skill.
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Plannable type-matchup progression through two regions of fixed trainers.
Planescape: Torment leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pokémon SoulSilver Version leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Planescape: TormentPokémon SoulSilver Version
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 0
Planescape: Torment leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Planescape: Torment
Combat is deemphasised; the game is built to be avoided or trivial
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Menu-driven battles have no physical component
Reads1 vs 1
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planescape: Torment
NPCs are scripted personalities; no adaptive opponent exists
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Trainer AI is scripted; human battles are an optional sideline
Variance3 vs 3
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planescape: Torment
Some dialogue outcomes and item discoveries are hidden until explored
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Catch rates, crits and encounters are bounded randomness
Optimization7 vs 8
Pokémon SoulSilver Version leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Planescape: Torment
Stat allocation, dialogue routing and companion management reward system mastery
Pokémon SoulSilver Version
Team building against known gyms is fully plannable
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.