head to head
vs
Shadow ComplexvsSplit Fiction
Shadow Complex leans Execution (Practiced Mastery); Split Fiction leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
Shadow ComplexSplit Fiction
Axis by axis
Execution6 vs 6
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 2
Split Fiction leans harder on reads: Co-op partner coordination involves light social reads
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization6 vs 5
Shadow Complex leans harder on optimization: Item routing and sequence-breaking define mastery and speedruns
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.