head to head
vs
Tales of Monkey IslandvsThe X-Files Game
Tales of Monkey Island leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The X-Files Game leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Tales of Monkey IslandThe X-Files Game
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 1
The X-Files Game leans harder on execution: Point-and-click interaction with no dexterity test
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 2
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization5 vs 4
Tales of Monkey Island leans harder on optimization: Episodic inventory puzzles each have one intended solution.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.