head to head
vs
Tempest RisingvsThe Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth
Tempest Rising leans Execution (Grand Arena); The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth leans Optimization (Mind & Math).
Tempest RisingThe Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth
Axis by axis
Execution7 vs 5
Tempest Rising leans harder on execution: Infantry ability timing and base placement need precise multitasking
Reads7 vs 6
Tempest Rising leans harder on reads: Two-faction asymmetry forces constant prediction of opponent build paths
Variance2 vs 3
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth leans harder on variance: Scouting hides enemy composition until revealed
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.