On the one hand, the most satisfying controls ever seen in mainline Mario mixed with a weirdly cohesive setting and creative character designs. On the other, multiple missions designed only to frustrate the player, as well as a looming sense of jank otherwise unbeknownst to Nintendo. It's a mess, but if you're willing to go with its flow, it's a fun time.

Full of contempt for the player, and featuring a couple of minigames that quite literally physically hurt to play. Still, the concept is brilliant, and - even putting aside nostalgia - I cannot help but get a lot of mileage out of its pure sadism. A guilty pleasure.

Fundamentally evil video game. Very enjoyable.