head to head
vs
The DigvsZak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
The Dig leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
The DigZak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 0
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance3 vs 4
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders leans harder on variance: Globe-trotting item requirements are obscure on first play.
Optimization6 vs 6
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.