While I can't comment on the main topic as I have not played any of those games; I can comment on the following part.
"Say what you want but NSMBW could have been much better as opposed to making such huge nods to the older games as opposed to reinventing itself just like SMB3 redefined the series."
I believe you are implying that NSMBW doesn't reinvent itself amongst other 2D mario games and with that I 100% disagree. Sure its Mario w/ a SMB3-esque overworld style and basic handling. However, the multiplayer system ads a level of playability that dramatically changes the core of Mario Bros. Playing single is completely different than playing with buddies.
That is the new benchmark of a quality platformer which will be copied by others. (Yes I know LBP did it first)







