head to head
vs
Stranger Things: 1984vsThe Outer Worlds
Stranger Things: 1984 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Outer Worlds leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Stranger Things: 1984The Outer Worlds
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 1
The Outer Worlds leans harder on reads: Scripted enemies
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization6 vs 7
The Outer Worlds leans harder on optimization: Perks, flaws, dialogue routing rewarded
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.