Banjo Kazooie was based upon Mario 64, i must say one of the very best clones ever!!!
For Galaxy: it looks like its a combination of those mini-levels in Mario Sunshine and the map-gameplay of Mario 64. It's maybe not that innovative as it may look but since i liked those mini-levels the most about Sunshine i am looking forward to it.
This is what i like about Nintendo, they aren't bragging around with 'Look out for it!!! Mario is returning this winter and it's going to be the best gameplay ever, and the best graphics, just hold on a little longer'. But they just release good to great games, and sometimes even astonish the world with a truly impressive one. (like Wii Sports, so simple, so free, so damn good)







