This is a discussion I've seen pop up in various places like gaf, generally regarding Super Mario Galaxy's emphasis on 2D-Mario-ish level design or retrospectives on Super Mario Sunshine's more open level design.
Which do you guys prefer, the openness of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine? Or the linearity of Super Mario Galaxy 1/2 and Super Mario Sunshine's warp levels?
I'm definitely a bigger fan of SM64 and SMS. I like being thrown into a level like Bomb Bomb Battlefield or Noki Bay, given a fairly non-descript objective, then having to figure out what the hell to do, enjoying the sights while I do so. I find the levels in Super Mario Galaxy to be in general less fun in comparison, and also less memorable, given that you spend less time in each level (2-3 stars per level) and the level design often changes dramatically between stars.
I found most people seem to prefer the approach taken by the SMGs, though, if the community on gaf is anything to go by. A few people fall on my side of the fence, but most disagree.
Of course, I'm also one of those oddballs that'd claim 3D Mario > 2D Mario. Or at least I like SM64 and SMS better than 2D Mario. I'd probably take SMB3 over SMG. I think in the end I just like a little exploring in my games, so SM64 and SMS have an advantage over the others in my eyes.
