Building comparison
head to head
Son SonvsSuper Mario World
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.
Son Son
Execution · Pure Mechanics
An auto-scrolling lane shooter testing quick repositioning against memorised waves.
Super Mario World
Execution · Pure Mechanics
Precise jump execution across fixed levels with secrets to memorise.
Son Son leans Execution (Pure Mechanics); Super Mario World leans Execution (Pure Mechanics).
Son SonSuper Mario World
Axis by axis
Execution7 vs 7
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Son Son
Lane-switching and shooting under auto-scroll pressure is everything
Super Mario World
Perfect inputs trivialise every jump, spin and cape flight
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Son Son
Enemy waves arrive on fixed schedules
Super Mario World
Scripted Koopas adapt to nothing
Variance1 vs 1
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Son Son
Occasional random bamboo bonuses, otherwise fully fixed
Super Mario World
Levels are fixed; nothing hidden survives one playthrough
Optimization4 vs 4
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Son Son
Learning wave layouts and fruit triggers maximises survival
Super Mario World
Secret exits and route knowledge add a modest solvable layer
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.