@Soma. Are we seeing this kind of thread on other forums too? I'd be glad to know that: I don't like feeling like I'm the only one thinking like this. Knowing other people also think so makes me feel less insecure about my opinion on this.
Yes, it's true, there seems to be little changing from the art direction of the previous NSMB entries. I was expecting a SMB to SMB3 kind of evolution here too, but it looks like Nintendo is trying to stick to a tried and true formula.
On the topic of non-evolutionary sequels, I know that Nintendo released a second version of Mario Bros. in Japan, a sequel actually. I remember enjoying it as an older kid in my copy of Super Mario All-Stars, it was called the Lost Levels. It was essentially called Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan if I'm not mistaken. From what I understand, that game didn't sell too well. It had minor differences from the original, but the few changes it made did not make the game look much better actually it lost much of the graphical charm of the original.
However what made it more interesting is that it was more challenging, I can attest to that. I only finished it with save points (mario all-stars). Needless to say, that (gameplay) didn't convince consumers.
It makes you wonder, why would Nintendo think it'll work better this time? I have a sad feeling it won't. If Super Mario Bros. 3, an excellent game if I may say and a good evolution to SMB was not able to expand sales of SMB, I don't know if a symbolical clone like SMB2 or NSMB2 can do any better. If SMB2 couldn't do better than SMB3, then I don't see why Nintendo would try the losing formula here.
