This is a new 2D Mario that keeps the tight controls but changes everything else. Wonder Seeds flip levels such that pipes become stampedes, camera warps around, Mario turns into ceiling slime, and so much more.
You never know what’s coming next and that keeps it fresh. The badge system adds some gameplay customization. I used Dolphin Kick for water levels, sensor badge for finding secrets, and grapple vine for speed attempts. It makes replaying levels fun, and Special World courses were quite difficult. Local co-op has ghost revives so you can actually help teammates, and online ghosts make solo feel less lonely.
Best 2D Mario in years. One of the best 2D platformers I’ve played recently for sure!