IMO, the game controls as well as or better than Mario 64, and when it comes to movement mechanics it's Mario at his best ever. The tropical vibe is also really nice and Delfino Plaza is the best hub world in a Mario game, (slightly) changing as the game goes on and packed with secrets and events.
The main problem I think people have with the game is the mission design. Some of the mission objectives are just really obtuse and weirdly difficult, and some of the bonus levels just plain suck. The game is also on the more difficult side for Mario games, for better and worse. In addition a lot of shines are hidden behind blue coins, extra collectibles hidden around every level, but trying to collect all the blue coins is not fun and they make getting 100% in this game more annoying than any other 3D Mario.
I still love the game though.
The main problem I think people have with the game is the mission design. Some of the mission objectives are just really obtuse and weirdly difficult, and some of the bonus levels just plain suck. The game is also on the more difficult side for Mario games, for better and worse. In addition a lot of shines are hidden behind blue coins, extra collectibles hidden around every level, but trying to collect all the blue coins is not fun and they make getting 100% in this game more annoying than any other 3D Mario.
I still love the game though.