I think its being overhyped and the discourse will flip in the coming years. I'd honestly say its on par with DKCTF in scope and polish if I can compare what can be done in 2D vs 3D. Doesn't come near the SNES games for me but its worthy of the brand which I hold to high standards.

Correction: Rambi is ridable at least in a racing minigame, I just missed it. Still stand by my general point but I'm glad they make use of him in some way since he's built for a game like this.

Miscellaneous thoughts: I do like the new Void Co kongs despite everything though I think other bosses look straight out of splatoon. The mario artist polygon studio esque mode is a strange inclusion but I'm not complaining about it.

Was mainly hoping to see more returning kongs & hints at K rool but that was probably everyone in the trailer. Pretty bummed we're likely getting less returning characters than even retro's games, like most people I was hoping for a return to form. Happy to see Diddy & Dixie at least even as NPCs.

Pauline is very cute even if her moveset is kinda dumb. Her story seems tonally different from any DK before whether country or arcade, but there's nothing wrong with it even if it could turn out not my cup of tea. Intrigued though & of course wonder if this is a prequel.

I don't even think most courses look that great but the movement makes up for it. Ska remixes are also way better than 8's single flavor of Jazz.

Freeroaming is something mario kart always lacked despite diddy kong racing & kirby air ride doing similar things. I want to see how air riders compares.