Is there any difference between LSL 1 VGA and just LSL OTHER than graphics? I figured I might as well get one of the icons off my desktop unless there is actually differences in the gameplay.

If you are actually playing the VGA (256 color) version, then you won't be able to enter anything. That one is point+click. The older Larry 1 has a text-parser (16 colors).

I'm pretty sure the storyline and puzzles are exactly the same. The only difference I know of is the original game has more deaths. Part of it is because there are some things you can type that will end the game (for example "Go home" and "Lick hooker."). Those deaths don't exist in the VGA game because you can't type. Also, there's a dead end where in the EGA game, if you don't have a knife at a certain point, the game will end. In the VGA game if you are in that same situation, the game does NOT end. You are forever stuck. Lastly, the entire EGA game is on a timer like "King's Quest 4," meaning if you take too long to beat the game, you will lose. I think in the Larry series, this is only true of Larry 1 EGA.

Are the VGA versions the ones I want, for the whole series? Just downloaded '6', and noticed there's a "regular" and VGA version...I'm assuming the VGA one looks better and I can just skip the "regular" one?

For LSL6 the regular version is SVGA.

As to which graphics style "looks better" that's personal preference :).

Larry 1 and it's VGA remake are very similar (although there are some minor changes), but while they share many same puzzles and setting with the original Softporn Adventure, the general feeling is very different. Larry is somewhat sympathetic loser, but the anonymous protagonist of Softporn Adventure is just an a-hole, without any redeeming qualities. Also some locations are different (like the hidden garden in Softporn Adventure, which isn't in Larry 1). I learned about the timer only after I had finished the game several times. Visiting the prostitute stops the timer, but even if Larry doesn't use her services there is still plenty of time to finish the game as the puzzles aren't particularly difficult in the first game (I think it is one of the easiest early Sierra games). The "regular" (SVGA) version of Larry 6 is actually the enhanced CD-ROM version and VGA version is the original floppy version (although with added speech). You can play which ever version you like the most, because besides the graphics the games are identical.

Larry 1 is bit different case. VGA version is a full remake, which was made 4 years after the original game was released. It was part of Sierra's attempt to make money by making remakes of the first parts of their most famous adventure game series. Several remakes were published between 1990-1992. It has some minor changes to the story, but nothing major. However, Larry 1 is not particularly long game and both versions have their own charm, so I recommend playing the both version.

Besides the EGA an VGA versions, there is also the modern remake Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded, which has modern graphics and some additional content. But otherwise it is the same game as the other versions.

Thanks for all that info! It's interesting, plus this stuff isn't super obvious to figure out.

Kind of a riot that remaking stuff was happening 25 years ago too (not that it doesn't make complete sense!)

Back then the good thing was that those sold horribly for the most part. That's why Sierra stopped with it.
Today that's sadly different. Well nowadays it's even just ports, not actual remakes. Remakes would take some effort.

Ugh, yeah, good point. At least remakes you're getting something new, some new reason to play it or spend money for it. I think the best remake I've played is Resident Evil 1, which looks 9000x better, gives the same feel of the original game, yet actually is almost completely different, meaning the original game retains value too.

Fully agreed. But that was actually a Gamecube remake, released 2002. Properly made and even puts a twist on the zombies (crimson heads). And sadly it also sold quite poorly (although funnily not as poorly as the PS3/PS4/XB1/360/PC port, that was released last or this year, despite it being a full-price release on Gamecube and a budget priced digital download on the other platforms).

I bought the...I guess they're maybe enhanced ports of the remake? And played the original remake on Gamecube (man that system was underrated for the time! I can't believe how many people don't even know it was more powerful than the PS2).

I've been wondering what they did with the ports/remake of the remake...I mean I assume they must at least have re-rendered the backgrounds in 720p or 1080p, or something, touched up the textures? Honestly I'm sure even the 480p version would look nice today after you get used to it. RE 0 was good too, though I hated the new inventory system where you had to haul your gear around the game world rather than just having those "magic" boxes. Still good though despite that.

While I enjoy playing also the VGA remakes, in most cases the original EGA versions were better as the slight story changes of the remakes usually didn't improve the games. So, I can't say that I'm sorry that Sierra stopped making those VGA remakes.

Apparently also the modern Sierra remakes have had a mixed success. Development of Leisure Suit Larry 2: Reloaded had started, but then there was an ugly drama which made Al Lowe and Josh Mandel to quit working for Replay Games. Gabriel Knight remake (which had awful graphics, but was otherwise good) didn't sell enough, so Jane Jensen buried the idea of making Gabriel Knight 4. But oddly enough rather awkward remake of Gold Rush! (which was made by a small German indie studio) is getting a sequel soon.

I have always preferred proper sequels more than remakes and it seems that Activision/Sierra made the right choice when they decided to make reimagined sequel to King's Quest instead of making remake of the first game. The game has been well received.