Was LEGO Super Heroes really THAT much better?

Recently, I went to the LEGO store with my little brother. I had planned to pick up the Ninjago anniversary display with all the ninja, plus Nya and Wu, but I changed my mind and bought the Ocarina of Time Final Battle set instead. My brother chose the new mini modular Daily Bugle to go with the rest of his sets from that line. He does not have the Peter Parker apartment yet, so I am planning to get that for him for Christmas. When he showed me the Bugle, it felt strangely nostalgic. I have...