LogFAQs > #978955884

So basically, think of the best 8-bit game in a series. Then compare it to the first 16-bit game in that series. Going off this criteria, which series had the biggest leap from the 8-bit generation to the 16-bit generation?

Im disqualifying games that debuted on 16-bit consoles, and later had 8-bit releases (like Sonic, which started on Genesis and later had a Master System release).

Im thinking Super Metroid will likely get the most attention, but here are games that I could think of to add to the discussion (feel free to add games that I didnt include - there are bound to be plenty more, although I think I covered most of the essentials):

Super Mario World (Super Mario 1, 2 USA, 3)
Zelda: LttP (Zelda 1 & 2)
Super Metroid (Metroid)
Donkey Kong Country (DK, DK Jr, DK3)
Kirby Super Star (Kirbys Adventure)
Earthbound/Mother 2 (Earthbound Beginnings/Mother 1)
Super Punch-Out! (Mike Tysons Punch-Out!)
Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem (2 Famicom NES games)
Tecmo Super Bowl (Tecmo Bowl)
Ghouls n Ghosts (Ghosts n Goblins)
Super Double Dragon (Double Dragon 1-3)
Revenge of Shinobi (Shinobi, Shadow Dancer)
Phantasy Star II (Phantasy Star)
Super Castlevania IV (Castlevania 1-3)
Final Fantasy IV (Final Fantasy 1-3)
Dragon Quest V (Dragon Quest 1-4)
Mega Man X (Mega Man 1-6)
Contra III: Alien Wars (Contra, Super C)
TMNT IV: Turtles in Time (TMNT 1, 2, 3)
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose! (Tiny Toon Adventures 1-2)

I personally think the biggest leaps on that list are LttP, Super Metroid, DKC, and Final Fantasy IV. Mario is rough because of how good SMB3 was. And as great as Mega Man X is, I hold MM2 & 3 in super high regard, so X isnt on my short list.

Not sure just yet which of those games gets my overall vote.

Curious what others think.