head to head
vs
Rise of NationsvsStronghold: Crusader
Rise of Nations leans Optimization (Mind & Math); Stronghold: Crusader leans Optimization (Mind & Math).
Rise of NationsStronghold: Crusader
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 5
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads7 vs 6
Rise of Nations leans harder on reads: Opponent nation pick and age-rush timing must be predicted
Variance3 vs 4
Stronghold: Crusader leans harder on variance: Goods market prices and siege equipment availability fluctuate
Optimization8 vs 8
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.