"The game has something like four dozen levels (or more, I'm not sure), comparable to some (not all) 2D Marios in terms of variety. You only need to revisit a dozen (or less) stages in order to beat the game."
The point is that no 2D Mario requires you revisiting a level. Even the remixes are still classified as new levels. You could say the point is to give the feeling of constant progression, while revisiting even just a few levels gives the feeling of padding. Plus, again, the fact that this has fewer doesn't change the fact that the formula required almost constant level revisiting in the past games.
"The goal is still getting to the goal, though I admit the requirement of powers does make things different."
It's not just the requirement of powers. It's the way the levels work. Let's say the first area in Mario 64 was closer to the 2D Mario games. The only goal would be to get to the top of the hill and then fight the boss to beat the level. Every path to that is an optional way to get to him. Of course the cannon would have to be harder to get to or it would be too easy, but it's all about getting to the goal and moving on to the next level. That first level didn't require any powers, but it obviously didn't flow like a 2D Mario game.
"And removing the necessity of powers, making it like the purer sections of Mario Sunshine, would not increase the appeal too mcuh. The problem of 3D movement remains."
Why are you acting as though I'm only discussing powers? Don't you pretending I'm arguing just X, when I'm arguing X, Y, and Z.
And making the levels better for 3D movement still doesn't matter if you have to revisit them.
"Again: pick up Galaxy 2. You will like its sense of focus and relative accessibility (compared to 64 and Sunshine)."
Why are you thinking I'm discussing how I feel about the game? I'm discussing how the mainstream feels. You can't tell them to just pick up the game and know it's better. You have to make a game they know is better right off the bat.
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
