head to head

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion cover artvsThief Simulator 2 cover art

The Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionvsThief Simulator 2

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Thief Simulator 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).

EXECUTION3 /10READS1 /10VARIANCE2 /10OPTIMIZATION7 /10
The Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionThief Simulator 2

Axis by axis

Execution3 vs 3

Even - both lean on execution about the same.

Reads1 vs 2

Thief Simulator 2 leans harder on reads: NPC patrols follow scripted routes, not adaptive

Variance2 vs 3

Thief Simulator 2 leans harder on variance: Loot contents and patrol timing add mild uncertainty

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.

full breakdown

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

full breakdown

Thief Simulator 2