head to head
vs
SteamWorld Dig 2vsThe Last Guy
SteamWorld Dig 2 leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); The Last Guy leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
SteamWorld Dig 2The Last Guy
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 5
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 2
The Last Guy leans harder on reads: Monsters follow scripted behavior, not adapting
Variance2 vs 3
The Last Guy leans harder on variance: Civilian and monster placements add some variation
Optimization7 vs 7
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.