Quote Originally Posted by Vivi22 View Post
Everything else was fun, but didn't have me obsessing over the game like Mario 64. It just didn't bring enough originality to the table. It was basically Mario 64 with a water pack.
You know, I never really understood this argument. No one notices the pattern of Mario games (as far as the main series is concerned). Look, let me break it down like this:

Super Mario Bros.--An original game.
Super Mario Bros. 2 (the REAL 2. Known as "The Lost Levels" in the Super Mario Bros. All Stars cart for SNES)--Pretty much the original Mario with a couple of new additions. It was an evolution from the original SMB.
Super Mario Bros. 3--Totally new stuff introduced. Lots of Super Powers, world map(s), Koops kids as bosses instead of Bowser being the boss every world.
Super Mario World--Pretty much Mario 3 with minor additions. It was an evolution from SMB3.
Super Mario 64--Totally new game concept PERIOD. Broke as much ground in 3D as SMB did in 2D.
Super Mario Sunshine--Pretty much Mario 64 with minor additions. It was an evolution from Mario 64.

NOTE: I am not saying that SMB2, SMW, or SMS are bad games, or that they are dumbed down in some sort of way. All I am saying is that they are evolutions from a formula that worked. Notice how Super Mario Galaxy is going to put a whole new spin on Mario. Chances are, the next Mario game after that will be yet another evoultion--and there is nothing wrong with that.