Easily the best 2D Mario since World. After Mario Maker, it seemed like it was going to be an impossible task to create a new entry that felt worthwhile. But this game did it through charm and delight. The visual redesign, wonder flowers, and even the talking flowers succeed in providing an experience you can't get from the infinite Mario Maker courses available. And the somewhat-in-the-background, online co-op that seemed a bit gimmicky in the trailers actually added a lot of enjoyment to the experience.
However, for as many good things as I have to say about it, the last feeling I had for it after reaching 100% was a bit of disappointment. I think this game could have eclipsed SMB3 and World if there was a little more challenge. I think those two games do a very good job of scaling the difficulty as you progress. And World, in particular, also provides significant challenges that are not required to complete the game, but feel rewarding when you do. Whereas this game only had two courses that felt like real tests. And the final approach to Bowser's Castle feels very underwhelming compared to SMB3 and World.
However, for as many good things as I have to say about it, the last feeling I had for it after reaching 100% was a bit of disappointment. I think this game could have eclipsed SMB3 and World if there was a little more challenge. I think those two games do a very good job of scaling the difficulty as you progress. And World, in particular, also provides significant challenges that are not required to complete the game, but feel rewarding when you do. Whereas this game only had two courses that felt like real tests. And the final approach to Bowser's Castle feels very underwhelming compared to SMB3 and World.