That learning curve is horribly offputting to be honest, and some of the gameplay suffers from being a bit complicated/irritating to control. As it's cheap as these days tough id say get it too try it as there is some fun to be had still and if it clicks like it has to some people you might love it.

Eh, I usually get used to complicated controls kinda quickly, so that's not such a big issue for me!

I pretty much completely ignored 3D World because it's 2D. I don't care if it's good, I want my console Mario's to be full AAA, Mario 64 games.

Mario Kart 8 all the way.

This is one reason why im glad SM3DW exist. Cant believe how some people look at something and completely judge it. Too bad you missed out. Probably one of those people who missed out on a LoZ game cuz of the art style (which is also unfortunate)

If it were an issue of "art style", I wouldn't have much of a problem with it. I hated WW's art style, but I still bought and played the game when it launched. This is about game mechanics. SM3DW may be great, but that doesn't change the fact that it doesn't PLAY like SM64, Sunshine and Galaxy. It's just not my thing. 

I grew up playing 2D Mario and I still go back and play my NES carts to this day (just played SM3 last night) but since the epic that was SM64, I prefer console Mario's to be like that. The 2D Mario's, imo, are better suited for their handhelds.

Objectively speaking (haven't played them) it appears that MK8 is better.

Mario 3D World for me.
Both games are great, without a doubt. It`s just that Mario 3D World has something special about it.

I had an incredibly hard time choosing, as both are superb, but ultimately I went with Mario Kart 8 for being more ambitious.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the best Nintendo game since Skyward Sword.

I'm surprised that Super Mario 3D Land can sell handhelds but Super Mario 3D World couldn't sell consoles

Why is that? lol