head to head
vs
The Elder Scrolls OnlinevsUltima Online
The Elder Scrolls Online leans Optimization (Practiced Mastery); Ultima Online leans Optimization (Mind & Math).
The Elder Scrolls OnlineUltima Online
Axis by axis
Execution5 vs 4
The Elder Scrolls Online leans harder on execution: Action combat with weaving and rotations
Reads3 vs 5
Ultima Online leans harder on reads: Player killers and traders adapt to you
Variance2 vs 3
Ultima Online leans harder on variance: Open-world encounters and loot 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.