Honestly since NSMB series has gotten a bit stale and released 4 games in 6 years, I think they are hoping the 3D series will take over as the next casual friendly Mario series. To me 3D Land/World seem more like the true successors to NSMB DS/Wii.
3D Land was great in my opinion and this one looks even better. I would have loved an open world Mario Universe but im happy with this game, and im sure a huge epic Mario is coming by 2015.
U have to remember there has always been a long stretch between open world Mario. The gap between 64 and Sunshine was 6 years, then another 5 until Galaxy, Galaxy 2 is the exception because it used the same engine and was primarily ideas the couldmt fit into the first one. That was 2010 so going by history 2015 is a safe bet for Mario Universe.
When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.
