I gotta agree with the OP, who is also coincidentally stating a lot of Malstrom's points.
Now I like the 3D Mario games, but they do not play like the 2D Mario games.
Also, exploration is not an advantage of 3D, since overhead 2D games can do that. Or even the sidescrolling adventure games.
A flashy-first game is awesome when it comes out. A great-first game is awesome forever.
Plus, just for the hell of it: Kelly Brook at the 2008 BAFTAs








