head to head
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is reads, and it is a single point.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
A hybrid real-time and tactical action RPG in a digital city.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
An open-world mech JRPG whose combat rewards deep system and build optimization.
Transistor leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Xenoblade Chronicles X leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Transistor
Real-time and planned hybrid combat.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
positioning and arts timing in combat
Transistor leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Transistor
Process enemies follow scripts.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
solo JRPG, no adapting opponent
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Transistor
Limited randomness.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
drop rates and crit rolls
Xenoblade Chronicles X leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Transistor
Function loadouts have deep optimization.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
deep build/skill/gear system to optimize
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.