head to head
vs
System Shock 2vsValkyrie Profile
System Shock 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Valkyrie Profile leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery).
System Shock 2Valkyrie Profile
Axis by axis
Execution6 vs 6
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 3
System Shock 2 leans harder on variance: Random loot locations and psi powers introduce run-to-run variance
Optimization9 vs 8
System Shock 2 leans harder on optimization: Deep build tree and resource conservation define the entire skill ceiling
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.