head to head
vs
The Last ExpressvsThe Room Three
The Last Express leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); The Room Three leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
The Last ExpressThe Room Three
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 1
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 3
The Last Express leans harder on variance: Schedules and secrets hidden until observed, then fixed
Optimization6 vs 7
The Room Three leans harder on optimization: Each puzzle box is a fully solvable mechanical system
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.