The game itself isnt really worse. The creature editor just doesn't look as good...
Okay, the editor panels look the same, but the background is different. Instead of it being in a sci-fi looking "inside an egg" environment, it's now more outside looking. Your creature stands on a flat, undecorated green platform, while in the background there are 2-D trees and 2-D plants everywhere. When you go into the little "test drive" area for your new creature, the trees disappear, but you are left on that flat, featureless green disc to walk around on.
And in the creature phase of the game, all your little emotions you can use are displayed as big smiles in the corner of the screen, layed over the environment. Not to mention that during the UFO stage, the buttons were more cluttered up instead of being nice and spread out.
I may be able to post pictures and links, but I wouldnt do it without a Mod or Admin's consent.