I've never played Wario Land so this is my first time experiencing a pizza-type game, and wow it ruled. This was an absolute blast to play through and through, with the bosses being the only real exception. Each level feels tailor-made for Peppino's movement, and given how this game was made predominantly by one person, that would be an impressive feat even if it wasn't really good. My only (but biggest) complaint are the boss fights, which tended to feel somewhat gimmicky and didn't really change over the course of the game; the strategy for each one is exactly the same – dodge projectiles and hit them when they start flashing – and didn't take advantage of Peppino's diverse moveset, so I can't help but feel like there's a ton of potential there.

Anyways this game is a GOTY contender and is absolutely an essential game from 2023.