head to head
vs
Shin Megami Tensei IVvsUnlimited Saga
Shin Megami Tensei IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Unlimited Saga leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Shin Megami Tensei IVUnlimited Saga
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 6
Unlimited Saga leans harder on variance: Slot-machine reels and opaque growth gate every action
Optimization9 vs 8
Shin Megami Tensei IV leans harder on optimization: Fusion apps, weakness charts, and builds solve the game.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.