Some stuff is quantifiably better though, like graphical capabilities, sound design, technical prowess, etc. This isn't a matter of opinion; there's no denying how incredibly games have evolved in this department. Universe expansion and immersion, too, has improved. Whether or not someone prefers this is another matter.
However, this is a measure of game improvements overall. A game with high technical capabilities can still have a shitty story, be riddled with bugs, have poor game mechanics. What helps to contribute to make a game great--and this is true no matter how good your game is--is good design. The early Mario games, while simple, had excellent subtle design choices that intuitively told the player how to begin. And the purpose of improved graphics, technical abilities, sound design, and game mechanics is, ultimately, to design even more intuitive and creative immersion tactics. Not every game succeeds of course. Many older games are better than newer ones, and vice versa.
In the end though, it's a matter of opinion.
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