head to head
vs
The ComplexvsThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Complex leans Variance (Light / Casual); The Vanishing of Ethan Carter leans Optimization (Light / Casual).
The ComplexThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 1
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter leans harder on execution: Walking and looking, nothing more
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 2
The Complex leans harder on variance: Branch consequences are hidden on a first viewing
Optimization3 vs 3
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.