This game really personifies the term "generically good". It's hard to find something outright bad. It handles powerups slightly better than the first game by adding the tanooki. But other than that it's just kind of a hollow game with nothing much to remember it for. The coin collecting gimmick could've been cool in concept but they don't differ at all compared to any other 2d Mario game so what's the point. Glad I have my perspective on it but it's definitely one the weakest games in the franchise for me so far.

I think this game is primarily flawed because of the combat. I think this would've been better as a third person action game because meleeing with the club or spear is pretty bad and that only leaves long ranged combat with the bow and spear and some throwable bomb like weapons which can get a little stale in a game this long. That being said I still enjoyed my time with this game. Stealth was kinda fun especially bombing unsuspecting enemies with the owl which funny to watch. Matter of fact I think the primary draw of this game is using your tamed animals to kill things, making a giant bear ragdoll people and rhinos is cool. I enjoyed the story too, the character you meet along the way are entertaining and I love the idea of building up your tribe over time. I'm definelty glad I finished this and I certainly had fun. I just wished the combat was way more complex and my rating would be much higher.