That's such a great point that I debated putting in the thread. It astounds me how it's the spin offs that are getting the more striking visual identity when it's spin offs that are supposed to be fanservice and pandering to begin with.

I actually really enjoyed NSMB because it reminded me so much of the old ones, especially SMB 3. I'm a sucker for nostalgia though; my fav game of the generation so far is a retro designed RPG similar to those in the late 90's and early 2000's.

I'm a sucker for nostalgia too, which is why one game like that is okay to me. My problem comes from when that one throwback game becomes six.

Well, I suppose that's true; I've only played the original NSMB on Wii, not the others.

The RPG formula I was talking about has had a comeback lately; the isometric view, tactical kind, often turn-based or with a pause function. There have been many great titles with this recipe, but the saving grace keeping it from getting stale is the fact that it is spread across several franchises and developers and there is quite a bit of variation to it. I doubt I would appreciate six Baldur's Gate games in 7-8 years as well.

this spinoffs have been kicking ass for some time now. Before 3dland Bowser's Inside Story was the most fun i had in the series.

I agree somewhat. I have not really owned any of Nintendo's handhelds so I do not have that perspective, but while I do think 3D World is an amazing game, it doesn't feel epic or in the same vein as 64, Sunshine or Galaxy. I think it is strictly because of the layout and structure of the game and lack of quests for stars. It is exactly what it claims to be: Super Mario World in 3D. It feels like a 3Dified version of a 2D game. And that's ok, it looks and plays amazing and is quite fun, but it doesn't feel as grand or adventurous as the true 3D games. Hopefully we get one soon.

That's not really the point I was trying to make...

I think if they feel too similar your options should be to either not get every single one or wait until there's something in a certain game that interests you, which admittedly would be difficult.

But I don't think they will stop until the quality gets worse or sales decline.

I was responding to basically what I've read in the whole thread. But to your point, I agree that they have been milking the 2D series and that the New series are all pretty much the same game with just new levels. 3D World gave us that 3rd dimension, but it is still very similar with just new powerups. It sits kind of in the middle between the New series and the 3D console exclusive releases. I am just stating why I think 3D World game doesn't feel as special as the other console games did.

My only experience with NSMB was on the Wii, so it hasn't become boring for me, but I know they made a few of them. And I think you are wrong in comparing it to SMB2, SMB3, SMW etc. It is New SMB meaning it is throwing back to the original which had a couple iterations and staples like the flag pole and left to right movement. Nintendo is trying to give the young generation what us older gamers had and try and get some new loyal followers and bridge the generations.

But not better worlds. In the end sometimes a feel of a game is a huge factor and not just the elements of a game. I'm not denying 3D World isn't excellent. It really surprised me at how good the levels were, especially after my disappointment in E3, it just lacks that identity that Galaxy had when it first released which made me play it for weeks non stop. 3D World is a much more expanded 3D Land, but essentially even if there are many new elements, it doesn't give you a new distinct feeling and that's what the OP is trying to say.