This game has a really cool and interesting gimmick in the way you move kirby, which leads to a really enjoyable experience in some levels, but overall the game doesn't know what to do with itself. Many levels seem created to not let you have fun with the paintbrush system via strict design such as very linear and narrow paths and the game tends to get tedious (a good example but sadly not even close to the only one: the water levels. Also why are there so many). The abilities are hit or miss, with baloon, needle and burning in particular standing out as some of the best parts in the entire game and are severely underused , while the others are pretty meddling. The bosses try to take different approaches to stylus control but it never really works, and the minibosses all feel like a joke instead of genuine challenges.
Overall you could probably make a very fun game using this game's basic systems, but what we have right now doesn't even come close to its fullest potential.

Super Mario 64 is one of the most iconic and important games of all time, and it came out on a famously rough transition point for gaming from 2d to 3d, so it's unbelievable it has aged as well as it has.
My only real complains are: the camera, which is pretty darn bad but actually completely excusable for a first attempt ever, and some stars that are just bad sadly.
There is a lot of good to be talked about: the level design still holds up, the game is very creative. Of course not every level is a banger, but in most of them it's just fun to roam around and explore and the stars tend to have very clever placings, also there are already used some really interesting concepts only possible with 3d
The controls are great, Mario is very responsive and there are a lot of options for a varied experience and some precise and fun jumping.
The aestethic is a controversial point but I find it very appealing and don't think it looks bad at all.
I am a great fan of 3d mario games and, while this isn't Odyssey, it sure didn't disappoint