head to head
vs
Stygian: Reign of the Old OnesvsThe Banner Saga
Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Banner Saga leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Stygian: Reign of the Old OnesThe Banner Saga
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads2 vs 1
Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones leans harder on reads: Enemies follow scripts, not adapting to you
Variance4 vs 5
The Banner Saga leans harder on variance: Armor/strength interaction and random narrative outcomes create variance
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.