head to head
vs
SteamWorld HeistvsThe Culling of the Cows
SteamWorld Heist leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Culling of the Cows leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
SteamWorld HeistThe Culling of the Cows
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 4
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 2
SteamWorld Heist leans harder on variance: Procedural ship layouts and loot drops
Optimization7 vs 6
SteamWorld Heist leans harder on optimization: Crew builds, weapon picks, and turn routing carry runs
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.