Finally a main series side scrolling Mario game that actually does something different. There are new gimmicks with certain levels and it keeps alot of the game fresh. Like transforming into different beings or the level turns upside down or you can surf on top of wild animals and more. There are also different abilities that you can equip that make certain levels tougher or easier to get through. Or you can choose to not equip anything and make the game more challenging. This game is also up to 4 players. The main Mario characters and the toads are normal playable characters. You can also play as Yoshis or Nabbit for people who aren't used to platformers, you won't die but you won't be abe to equip any ability badges. I think that's a fair tradeoff.

The gameplay is still the same as any side scrolling Mario game, they just made what you expereince in each level new and fun. There's also alot of little references to Mario 3 and Super Mario World if you look and listen for it.

You can beat this game in a short period of time from start to finish. But, there are alot of collectables to 100% the game. One thing that kindof holds the game back is that it isn't challenging enough for seasoned players. Since the Wii era, Nintendo has mostly focused on making their Mario games for families in mind. Not a bad choice, but also they haven't been throwing out much of anything for gamers who love a challenge either.