head to head
vs
The NeverhoodvsThe X-Files Game
The Neverhood leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The X-Files Game leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
The NeverhoodThe X-Files Game
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.
Variance1 vs 2
The X-Files Game leans harder on variance: Story branches are unknown only until explored
Optimization4 vs 4
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.