head to head
vs
ShenmuevsThe Simpsons Game
Shenmue leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); The Simpsons Game leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
ShenmueThe Simpsons Game
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 1
Shenmue leans harder on variance: First playthrough leans on not knowing schedules and clues
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.