Building comparison
head to head
Super Paper MariovsThe Lost Vikings 2
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Super Paper Mario
Optimization · Practiced Mastery
A puzzle-leaning platformer testing perspective-flip problem solving more than reflexes.
The Lost Vikings 2
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A puzzle-platformer requiring coordination of multiple heroes with unique abilities.
Super Paper Mario leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); The Lost Vikings 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Super Paper MarioThe Lost Vikings 2
Axis by axis
Execution4 vs 3
Super Paper Mario leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Super Paper Mario
Light platforming demands, well below mainline Mario
The Lost Vikings 2
minor timing for character-specific actions
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Super Paper Mario
Enemies follow simple fixed patterns, no adaptation
The Lost Vikings 2
no adversarial adaptive opponent
Variance1 vs 1
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Super Paper Mario
Dimension-flip secrets are scripted-but-unknown until found
The Lost Vikings 2
negligible randomness
Optimization6 vs 7
The Lost Vikings 2 leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Super Paper Mario
Solving levels via the 2D/3D flip mechanic is the core test
The Lost Vikings 2
multi-character puzzle-solving is the core test
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.