Building comparison
head to head
Rolling Thunder 2vsSuper Mario World
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Rolling Thunder 2
Execution · Pure Mechanics
A cover-based run-and-gun testing precise shooting and pattern memorization.
Super Mario World
Execution · Pure Mechanics
Precise jump execution across fixed levels with secrets to memorise.
Rolling Thunder 2 leans Execution (Pure Mechanics); Super Mario World leans Execution (Pure Mechanics).
Rolling Thunder 2Super Mario World
Axis by axis
Execution8 vs 7
Rolling Thunder 2 leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Rolling Thunder 2
Precise shooting, cover-jumping and timing carry every stage
Super Mario World
Perfect inputs trivialise every jump, spin and cape flight
Reads1 vs 0
Rolling Thunder 2 leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Rolling Thunder 2
Solo/co-op - enemies follow scripted spawn patterns
Super Mario World
Scripted Koopas adapt to nothing
Variance2 vs 1
Rolling Thunder 2 leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Rolling Thunder 2
Enemy appearances are fixed once memorized
Super Mario World
Levels are fixed; nothing hidden survives one playthrough
Optimization5 vs 4
Rolling Thunder 2 leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Rolling Thunder 2
Learning spawn points and weapon management is the meta-game
Super Mario World
Secret exits and route knowledge add a modest solvable layer
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.