I gotta bump this.
I finally caved in and bought this, and there are two things I didn't expect that I'm very happy about.
First, the slick production, how the game starts up so fast, no third-party software logo bullshit, it takes no time at all to start the game. The loading screens are fast and got these slick animations that feel like video transitions. I find games to be more appealing to play when they start up fast, and this game is built around ease of play and short sessions. It's no problem to pick it up and play for 10 minutes, for example, you will still get something out of that.
Secondly, there is a lot more extra content than I expected, the main campaign isn't huge, but all the extra stuff triples the game time. All the little challenges are addicting to beat at the target time, and the extra objectives on each level and the stuff to do in town add up.
It's very polished and all the mouthful abilities are easy to use. I think it hurts itself being so level-based, a more Bowser's Fury open-world approach would fit the game perfectly. And while the gameplay is good, some of the abilities are so-so (drill) and some should be featured more heavily (i wished there was a lot more of the car).
There are also times when they wished they turned up the platforming a notch. It's well made but very simplistic and easy. The combat is alright but I wanted more sections where I had to focus and pay attention to where I land.
Still, a great game, it's a great 3D platformer, well worth the money.