probably the worst mario game ever. 64 was way better.
First of all, this game totally changes the mario world, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Some games like this, unlike Zelda, like to change the whole field of play alot, but they may have gone a little far for this game and just doesn't feel like mario.
The gameplay is solid, but not amazing. Sure, you can collect blue coins and do little side quests and stuff, but there isn't really much fun running around a city looking for levels and stuff and it just doesn't cling with "mario".
The graphics were great, no question, the water was practically real, but overall may have been overdone with cartoonie stuff.
The sound was fine, but the music kind of sucked except for when you chase the dark mario. It's at a good value but i really dont recomment this game because it will end up dissapointing you.
So overall... rent, don't buy.