So before I tried the Flash version I actually played the Ex version (the original) on my Windows XP computer. It has several major differences:
- The music and sound effects are different. Personally, I prefer the Ex version in this aspect, although the Flash is also okay.
- The particle effect are more cartoony in the Flash version and more "foggy" in the Ex version.
- The Ex version has a plot.
- Several Bugs are different. Most of the changes in the Flash version are for better. For example, there`s a particle efect for hitting the Poison Bug and the Fire Bug summons particles (while in the Flash version, there`s not). The Time Bug`s time stopping has a visual effect in the Flash version. A more controversial change is making bombs respawn, while in the Ex version they did so only during one level. Even then, making them shake before they explode is a NEEDED change.
- Several Bugs are exclusive to the Ex version. Two normal enemies and two bosses: Red One-Eyed Bug (spawns Love Bugs on hit), Speed Bug (periodically becomes invulnerable, making them weaker Poison Bug), Ninja Bug (constantly spawns fog), The Last Samurai Bug The Robot Bug (can be defeated only using bombs; shoots lasers that make the edge of the screen and the boss deadly). Because of that, the Boss Bug is called the VIP Bug.
- The last level in the Ex version is a minigame twin-stick shooter.
- Level descriptions are way more creative and funny in the Ex version (the most extreme example in a level with VIP Bug and Armored Bugs: it`s description says "Vip Wars For ZIOOOOON!!" in the Ex version).
Still a good game with a few improvements over the Ex version. But the ex version is still better just because of the amounts of content it has.