They changed the default metarigs to use the pitchipoy rig type versions. I have not looked at 2.79 so I am not sure if the original rig types are available anymore. That is why you are seeing major differences. I sure hope the original rig types were not scrapped in the transition. That would be a huge loss and would make no sense to me. I would have to mount a revolt. 🙂
I’ve been waiting for 2.79 to go live before messing with it. It looks like they have release candidate 2 out. Hopefully 2.79 official will be live soon.
Something you can try is to select the metarig , enter pose mode, then look to see what rig types are assigned and available to the different bones of the metarig.
Good luck!
Edit: Just had a quick play with 2.79. In user preferences, rigify addon has a toggle to enable the old 2.76a feature set. So when it’s checked it will work exactly as it did. Then you will have the ability to use the original or pitchipoy versions again. I am not liking that they are trying to phase out the original rig types. That seems insane to me and lessens the choices for riggers. I use both and mix and match them often and in different combos for nearly every creature and character I make based on my needs for that creature/character. Hmmmm!!!!!!
