head to head
vs
Sam & Max: Save the WorldvsUnpacking
Sam & Max: Save the World leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Unpacking leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Sam & Max: Save the WorldUnpacking
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 1
Unpacking leans harder on execution: Item placement requires light spatial judgment but no precision
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Sam & Max: Save the World leans harder on variance: Light episodes keep clues visible and contained.
Optimization5 vs 5
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.