I think the Donkey Kong franchise should be regarded as a spin-off or sub-series of the Mario franchise, that is one with its own identity and aesthetic, if it isn't already. I mean, you have Donkey Kong as a regular Mario character, and the DKC elements regularly appear in Mario spin-off games...
I think 2 would have had a much better reputation if it had Wario as a playable character, used the coins in-game to unlock Coin Rush packs, and expanded on the story.
As it stands, the game's good. The level design is among the best in the Mario series, and the throwbacks to Super Mario Bros 3...
I feel that Peach being the damsel-in-distress is such an iconic part of the series as well as her character that it would be hard to get rid of completely. And it's not like getting kidnapped makes her useless. In fact, that wasn't how she was originally conceived. People forget that when...
Aw, dang it! That's just horrible! AlphaDream has been one of the best things to happen to Nintendo and the Mario series ever. Every Mario and Luigi game they've made is fantastic, and I'll really be sad to see them go. Ever since Dream Team I've been a fan of the series and I find all the games...