head to head
vs
ShenmuevsSmuta
Shenmue leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Smuta leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
ShenmueSmuta
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 3
Smuta leans harder on variance: surreal randomized events and outcomes
Optimization5 vs 4
Shenmue leans harder on optimization: Clue order, NPC schedules, and move training are fully mappable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.