the only difference is that in the past, composers were limited by how much space could be allocated to sound and music. Even mitsuda talked about how he was constantly limited when composing the Chrono Cross soundtrack. with the technology now, there is a lot more freedom. you can have 100 sound tracks and full orchestra and all that good stuff.
anyway, did i say Chrono Cross already? and Baten Kaitos and Star Ocean TtEoT (is that right?)