head to head
vs
Star SoldiervsThe Messenger
Star Soldier leans Execution (Practiced Mastery); The Messenger leans Execution (Practiced Mastery).
Star SoldierThe Messenger
Axis by axis
Execution8 vs 7
Star Soldier leans harder on execution: Dodging dense fire and rapid shooting carry every run
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance1 vs 1
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization6 vs 5
Star Soldier leans harder on optimization: Memorising waves and power-up routes defines high scores
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.