head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A pirate-themed action RPG sequel trading Gothic gloom for muskets, voodoo, and tropical islands.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A hybrid real-time and tactical action RPG in a digital city.
Risen 2: Dark Waters leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Transistor leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Clunky melee with dirty-trick interrupts; modest demands
Transistor
Real-time and planned hybrid combat.
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Scripted enemy behavior throughout
Transistor
Process enemies follow scripts.
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Light loot randomness only
Transistor
Limited randomness.
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Skill investment, voodoo builds, and quest order decide power
Transistor
Function loadouts have deep optimization.
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.