The only thing I've criticized the New series for has been the overflow of irritating voices in the music (BAH BAH, baby Yoshi voice in NSMBU), and its never-changing art direction. I do rather enjoy NSMBU's laser sharp graphics, etc., and hey, it definitely fits the theme. I've always jumped on Donkey Kong Country Returns (and now Tropical Freeze DEFINITELY) for having what I think is the snazziest art style and highest level of organic detail along with action-packed levels. New Mario has always seemed pretty relaxed by comparison, and the Tropical Freeze trailer got me pumped up. Seeing the Mario Kart 8 trailer, it would've been great if THAT had been what 3D World looked like with open, sprawling levels.
Don't get me wrong, I am jazzed about 3D World for sure. I DON'T believe, however, that this is going to be the definitive 3D Mario platformer to define the Wii U platform. Regardless of how polished it looks or how solid the gameplay is, 3D World just couldn't hold a candle to the masterfully crafted Galaxy series. We're only several months into Wii U's 5-7 year lifetime. Nintendo wouldn't punish us by having 3D World be the answer to the Wii's Galaxy 1 & 2.