In a way, I kind of see why the game got so much hype. This was the first 2D Mario game in YEARS. Sure there were the advance games, but they were ports of older games. This was completely brand new, so it's no wonder people got excited.
Still, I think the excitement got WAY out of hand. Yes, it's solid, polished and fun (especially in multiplayer), but the level design is too basic, the challenge is middling and it's forgettable, IMO.