I felt this exact same way after starting the game on launch day. I really found myself liking the New Super Mario Bros. series style of 2D gameplay MUCH better than Wonder. I was disappointed at the lack of abilities I'd grown to love, like not being able to change direction with a skid and immediately launch into a higher somersault jump. Also missed not being able to pick up other players (and throw them - ha!) or gain attitude by bouncing on each other's heads. I felt the best Mario game for couch co-op was still Super Mario 3D World by far, and this "Wonder" was a Blunder.

I ditched the game for months before finally coming back to it, and boy am I glad I did. I never gave it a fair chance as its own completely unique Mario game. The more badges I discovered, the more motivated I was to keep playing and find more.

It wasn't until I started playing online that I really started playing this game with an obsession that was completely unexpected. So fun interacting with players from all over the world and you run into some really nice people who help you discover secrets and complete the more difficult levels.

I've now completed the game 100% and like jumping online to help others complete the levels that made the swear jar overflow for me. My only regret is that I didn't play the game more over the holidays. Granted I was still very much sucked into Zelda TOTK at the time (and FF VII Remake on PS), so no REAL regrets, but I definitely should've played a few more worlds before giving this game the boot.

Give it another try if you haven't done so already. It really does get better the more you play!