Simpler way to get back to the roots, but without the Pizzaz
Sure, the game is 3D, stars Mario, satisfies nostalgia from the original Mario Bros., has secrets, multiple ways to go through the game, and even lets you play as Luigi -- but honestly, hasn't all of this been done before?
The first thing that really left me unsettled was the lack of style to the game. Pretty much, it was all recycled ideas and even character models from other games (like the Mario 64 model, or even a boss present in Super Mario Galaxy.) Everything felt sterile and uninspired, almost like they did not want to try anything new. Really Nintendo, you should try to innovate instead of regurgitate.
Luckily, the gameplay is well done, even if it is a back-to-the-basics Mario romp through the Mushroom Kingdom. When I started playing, I was worried about the 3D models interfering with the 2D gameplay: I did not want to play an entire game of Mario Galaxy's 2D areas. Luckily enough, it felt completely solid, almost as if it had been made in 2D, with hit detection and momentum perfectly harmonized with the great 2D platformers of yesteryear.
However, the action and level design are for the most part ho-hum with no real changes from Mario games of the past. It simply takes what worked and adds a couple things to keep you on your toes, but for the most part you'll never really see anything that drastically changes the way you view the genre.
Obviously, Nintendo affiliates will recognize the homages to the original games. The pulldown flag from the first Mario game is back, along with familiar boss battles and stages, all very related to that ever-important first experience. I enjoyed it myself for a bit, but quickly realized that the enjoyment I was deriving from the games wasn't necessarily it's gameplay mechanics, but rather nostaligia, convincing me that this game is better than it really is.
If you like platformers, or would like to start playing more platformers, get this game. If you are getting tired of the genre and are looking for something fresh, don't expect to find it here. Mario will always have a place in a gamer's heart, but that doesn't make it anything to be excited about.
