Matches the fluidity of Super Mario Bros. 3 but also introduces a ton of new features to give the gameplay even more depth. Levels are also more complex than in previous entries, with secret exits and puzzles that often complicate their layouts from being a simple left -> right series of obstacles.
Might be where Mario peaked aesthetically since he went to 3D right after and the return of 2D Mario platformers were with the positively ugly style of the “New Super Mario Bros.” DS games. The world this takes place in is supremely creative in its layout, and it usually manages to have each area carve out its own identity (though the “Donut Plains” identity seems to be “no identity at all”).
Might be where Mario peaked aesthetically since he went to 3D right after and the return of 2D Mario platformers were with the positively ugly style of the “New Super Mario Bros.” DS games. The world this takes place in is supremely creative in its layout, and it usually manages to have each area carve out its own identity (though the “Donut Plains” identity seems to be “no identity at all”).