Is it alright to like both. I think after playing SM64, Super Mario Sunshine, Galaxy 1, and halfway done with Galaxy 2 that I like both styles.
For me though, it really comes down to the core platforming in it, not necessarily discovering which way I have to go at the beginning of the level. And all of the games have excellent platforming gameplay. And that's why I like that they change it up a little bit, because it feels fresh every time I play it. To have a series that has Mario essentially doing the same things, yet each time the experience feels different whether an small open world or a somewhat "linear route" Nintendo still manages to make it seem fresh every time and craft it beautifully.
So I guess not a fiery answer that maybe people were expecting, but I like both and that reason is due to how well Nintendo makes their Mario platformers.
