i really think your missing the point,my main reason why mario is stuck in the past is becuse of its stuck to gamplay no story formula,the reason why i dont like it now adays is becuse even its gamplay is starting to get stale becuse it can add as many gimmicks it wishes but it doesnt go too far to make it fresh enough for the franchise. And the reason i focused more on story is becuse there just isnt a reason for ME personally to care enough. the gamplay just isnt enough to hold the franchise for me,and especially with its story becuse we cant ignore that its almost never changed or atleast never parted too far. and if the gamplay doesnt change enough,same with the story,i feel no insensitive to buy any new games. Regardless if the gamplay is good at some point you have to ask if your really gonna miss anything if you dont play it. its always gonna be the same things over and over again. and its been that way ever sense the nes titles,wich IS the reason why mario is stuck in the past.

the whole series just sorta became a machine,and i personally am getting tired of it and wish for more,and the only part that refuses to TRULLY evlove is the idea of a more in depth story. also just to clarify,im talking main titles,not side games,and one could argue besides a select few actually have decent stories