head to head
vs
Stardew ValleyvsThe Alters
Stardew Valley leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Alters leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Stardew ValleyThe Alters
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.
Variance3 vs 4
The Alters leans harder on variance: Unscouted events and alter reactions surprise first runs
Optimization8 vs 8
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.