The map doesn't seem like much of a problem. I can't verify the accuracy of the comments, but most of them said it was just for quicker traveling, similar to the pipes in the sewers in the first two games. The reason I don't like the lack of an experience point system is it doesn't really give me an incentive to fight enemies aside from gaining coins, unless they can drop stickers or something. Even if they can, they still probably wouldn't be a guaranteed thing after each battle. I like RPGs with experience points because it encourages me to fight the enemies along the way so I'll be prepared for the boss up ahead.
Did anyone else notice how quick the battles were? I can't conclude anything yet, but it seems like you do way too much damage for simple jump and hammer attacks.