How the 4th picture has such a different style and look awesome

And this, which is exactly the same style doesn't??

Back then I thought Super Mario World looked great but now I can see it has a very kiddy appeal, all the bright colors and stuff, still I love it.

One question happydolphin, did you like Mario Sunshine and Mario Galaxy? To me those games are way more kiddie than this one, Sunshine was the first Mario game that made me feel like you're right now, and even if Galaxy looked amazing it had too much yupi!! and wahoo! and even Rosalina kiddie story. So did you like them?

All I know is that if graphics gets too complicated it will hurt the focus on gameplay and eventually make the entire series lose some of its charm. It's like making an HD-version of Angry Birds, sales would be hurt when people don't recognize the series anymore.

I'm not saying that I'm 100% certain that I'm right, but I do think so.

@Soma

Sunshine almost made me vomit. But the gameplay was so amazingly awesome (do you remember sliding on the water, or squirting water while running?) that it made me forgive it. But still I have a bad feel when I think of the god-aweful cutscenes and voice acting. That is the direction I highly discourage and want to stay away from as much as possible.
About Galaxy, here is my PoV. In contrast with Sunshine, the atmosphere was acceptable from a kiddy perspective. It was very kiddy, but for some reason the star theme was much more acceptable than the lame "Delphino Plaza" theme we had in sunshine. I really can't explaine this one to you.

And though Rosalina's story was kind of kiddy, you knew it was all pre-meditated to look story-like and childlike (a bit like le petit prince)

And plus, Galaxy's gameplay was so revolutionary, so unique, the music so Vibrant, I did not even have the time to be upset. I don't see the same thing happening here though honestly. I can almost hear the cash-cow mooing.

Here buddy. I'm sorry I got mad at you before, I shouldn't have. Here is what I mean, I'll try to explain it to you with 1 video:

When someone is trying to find counterfeit money, what do they do? Here's an example of a link that explains it. The link isn't important, what is is that some of us, and you too someday I hope, are able to look at pics and say "Hey! That's not what I expected!". It may come easier to some who have more exposure, but I am very sensitive to presentation so I can tell, in my eyes, right now, what I see? I don't like it.

I see what you're saying, but that video is way more than four screen-shots. And they all have a poor resolution and no 3D, as well.

Anyway, here's for hoping to see some amazing fresh level designs and gameplay mechanics with the final product

lol, I perfectly understand you about Sunshine, I could never played it only saw a bit of gameplay and the cutscenes and I agree, it was too much for me lol. I see at least you're not contradicting yourself, but I think you might be exagerrating a bit with this game, at least I don't feel it looks too kiddie as the other ones. I agree with you, there was a time that Mario games were not like that, Mario Bros 3 didn't felt that way but over the years this has been increasing that now many people consider the Mario games just for kids.

Is simple, if you don't like that direction don't buy it.

Edit:  I'll buy it cause it looks really fun to me ;)

I know, you can over-perfectify a game and that isn't good either, I know exactly what you mean, it needs to stay organic. But that's why I pointed you to this:

http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/post.php?id=4532035

Okay, I could believe that for gameplay. But what about presentation? Maybe not important for you, but it is for some of us here. What are your thoughts if you have insight for us.

Yes, okay, you meant it from a gameplay perspective, the various worlds, but what about the level of detail? Will it deliver. It sure doesn't look like it. But maybe I'm being too severe.

Yes, yes and no. You are so close.

No, I don't want Nintendo to become more like Sony... I want Nintendo to become more like their former selves (aka at the time of the NES). I want Punch Out!! revived, I want Super Mario Bros. revived, I want Super Metroid revived.

Look at what capcom did with Street Fighter IV. THAT's what I want.

Well, I'd say that instead of releasing two different 2D Mario titles, Nintendo has chosen the 2D- + 3D title path. Casual gamers buy the 2D version while people looking for great visuals buy games like 3D Land.

Or at least that's my take.