head to head
vs
Space Quest V: The Next MutationvsThe Neverhood
Space Quest V: The Next Mutation leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Neverhood leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Space Quest V: The Next MutationThe Neverhood
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.
Variance2 vs 1
Space Quest V: The Next Mutation leans harder on variance: Deaths and solutions are hidden until discovered, then fixed
Optimization5 vs 4
Space Quest V: The Next Mutation leans harder on optimization: Puzzle-chain logic and careful exploration are the test
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.