+perhaps the first game to really nail mario-style linear 2d challenges in a 3d environment
+very solid amount of content, a full 120 stars that each have their own distinct obstacles barring some challenge stars that require beating an earlier star under specific requirements
+I wouldn't classify this game as difficult by any means, but the endgame galaxies feel rewarding to beat rather than perfunctory
+the story is very sweet, totally optional but very much worth peeking at as chapters are unlocked over the course of the game
+art design, galaxy design, the modeling and graphic quality, everything here is a culmination of over a decade of standard def 3D development, and it shows. very few games on wii look better than this
+getting to play as luigi rules, though it takes quite a bit of time to get there
+gorgeous orchestral soundtrack, really bolsters the grandiose feel of the game
+the gravity mechanics throughout the game, both the specific gimmicks as well as the general feel of walking around the planets, is fantastic. possibly gaming's best representation of such mechanics

-the hub is a pretty steep drop from both 64 and sunshine in terms of secrets, though it's certainly passable
-the garbage minigame.... what a pain

at the top of a heap of already amazing games in the mario series. plays very well on switch too!