Building comparison
head to head
Pokemon HeartGold VersionvsThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Neither is simply harder - they are hard in different places. Pokemon HeartGold Version demands more reads; The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim demands more execution.
Pokemon HeartGold Version
Optimization · Pure Optimization
The beloved DS remake of Johto with walking companions and both Johto and Kanto to conquer.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An open-world RPG mostly about discovering and stacking exploitable progression systems.
Pokemon HeartGold Version leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Pokemon HeartGold VersionThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 3
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim leans clearly harder on execution.
Pokemon HeartGold Version
Menu battles; no physical skill tested
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Combat is forgiving; aim and timing rarely punish you.
Reads2 vs 0
Pokemon HeartGold Version leans clearly harder on reads.
Pokemon HeartGold Version
Scripted trainer AI; online battles optional
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Enemy AI is scripted and exploitable; not adaptive.
Variance3 vs 2
Pokemon HeartGold Version leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Pokemon HeartGold Version
Encounter RNG, catch rates, Pokewalker luck
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Loot tables and leveled lists inject mild randomness.
Optimization8 vs 7
Pokemon HeartGold Version leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Pokemon HeartGold Version
Sixteen badges of team building and matchup planning
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skill stacking, enchant loops, and exploits are deeply solvable.
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.