head to head
vs
Pokémon Alpha SapphirevsThe Banner Saga
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Pokémon Alpha SapphireThe Banner Saga
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 2
The Banner Saga leans harder on execution: Turn-based; willpower spend timing is the sole execution nuance
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 5
The Banner Saga leans harder on variance: Armor/strength interaction and random narrative outcomes create variance
Optimization7 vs 7
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.