This game manages to be refreshing and original as well as going back to its roots of simple 2d platforming. This game is simply a triumph.
For anyone who can remember (and enjoyed!) the time before Mario turned 3d - this game is a must buy!
For me, it's the little things that count - sound - all of the original sounds are back and I love it! From sinking in to a pipe to explore the dungeon below to the "Weyooo" sound of sliding down the flagpole at the end of the level.
So, it's ticking all the boxes as far as "keeping it simple" is concerned, how about the "thinking outside the box".. uh, boxes? Well, you'd find many ticks in these too with all the new power ups now available to Mario. The first time you turn in to Giant Mario and charge through everything is likely to be an experience you will remember for a while!
Overall, this is a superb return to form for "our Mario" and if you have a DS, you simply NEED this game!