head to head
vs
SpiritfarervsWhile We Wait Here
Spiritfarer leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); While We Wait Here leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
SpiritfarerWhile We Wait Here
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 2
While We Wait Here leans harder on variance: Story branches hidden until choices reveal them
Optimization5 vs 4
Spiritfarer leans harder on optimization: Boat layout and crafting loops reward planning.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.