Building comparison
head to head
PlanetbasevsThe Alters
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Planetbase
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Engineering self-sustaining closed-loop life support systems on a hostile planet against scripted environmental events.
The Alters
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Scheduling scarce time and resources across a base run by copies of yourself.
Planetbase leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Alters leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
PlanetbaseThe Alters
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planetbase
Building placement is unhurried and menu-driven throughout
The Alters
Third-person walking and menus, no twitch demands
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planetbase
No adversarial AI; threats are scripted event types
The Alters
No adaptive opponent, only systems and story beats
Variance4 vs 4
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planetbase
Solar storm timing and resource availability add hidden pressure
The Alters
Unscouted events and alter reactions surprise first runs
Optimization8 vs 8
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Planetbase
Power and oxygen loops are tightly engineered optimization puzzles
The Alters
Time, resource and crew scheduling under deadlines is the game
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.