I completely understand your point and I agree with you to a certain extent, but I wanted to pay homage to a game that for many represents a part of the history of the C64, so I wanted to perfectly recreate the graphics and sounds for the most die-hard nostalgics, also because this game was requested by many people, the most requested game in fact.
Viewing post in H.E.R.O. Is Back (C64/C128) comments
Yes, it's a historic title so people expect it too look the part. Surprising so many people wanted this, I would have easily picked something else but it's all good, I made a cover for it as well, it's a nice classic after all.
Update: I just found out you made a H.E.R.O. 2 version for PC which already has better graphics, which is quite cool. Maybe that version is coming to C64 too one day... :)