Dig Dug sprites!

[Gors]

The problem is that you're using unattractive colors. Sure, it looks okay for the 8-bit one, but they don't do well in your revamp. Try looking for another eye-pleasuring colors instead of simply changing the original's saturation. The body/head looks slighty jagged. Try rounding the edges a bit more.

Also, you should learn how to shade a spherical surface. The shadow follows the outline, and is thicker when it's totally opposite from the lightsource. When it gets near the lightsource, it gets thinner and thinner until it disappears, forming a bright uncentered circle. Then, add a highlight in the brightest spot on the sphere and you're done.