From what I recall...
Ultimately think it's kind of an iffy 3D Mario that like Wind Waker, was effed by being rushed and Miyamoto wanting to reset the whole thing.
- FLUDD is fun to use and augments well with Mario's controls
- Neat cohesion on a tropical island, maybe a bit restrctive on level themes though
- Delfino Plaza was nicely thought out. Compact and really fun to explore.
- Spraying away gunk feels satisfying, and one of few games to do third-person aiming before RE4.
- Interesting use to use water to refill FLUDD, takes advantage of setting. Never feels annoying to refill.
- Very cool way for Mario to deal with water -- FLUDD's rocket boosting.
- Have to do Shrines in specific order.
- Course is often arbritarily locked to one single Shine.
- Lot of the side Shines can be frustrating to get to, let alone beat.
- Voice acting where it wasn't needed. Introduction of dumb Bowser Jr. Mama Peach.
- Yoshi wasn't implemented very well. Awkward to use and activate.
- Physics can get wonky in areas, unfortunetly when you also have to be careful.
- Fighting the camera for what you want it to show vs what it wants you to see.
- Beat Shadow Mario in all courses to unlock final stage. Like first point, also a specific order.
Ultimately think it's kind of an iffy 3D Mario that like Wind Waker, was effed by being rushed and Miyamoto wanting to reset the whole thing.