Building comparison
head to head
SamorostvsThe Sims
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Samorost
Optimization · Pure Optimization
Poking a surreal contraption world until its hidden logic clicks.
The Sims
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An open-ended needs-and-money system that rewards efficient scheduling.
Samorost leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Sims leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
SamorostThe Sims
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Samorost
Clicking hotspots requires no dexterity
The Sims
Clicking menus has no physical ceiling
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Samorost
No opponent of any kind exists
The Sims
Sims run need-driven scripts, not minds
Variance2 vs 2
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Samorost
Surreal solutions are hidden until experimented with
The Sims
Event rolls add flavour, all quickly mapped
Optimization6 vs 6
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Samorost
Each screen is a small solvable contraption
The Sims
Need scheduling, career grinding and money loops are 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.