Super Mario Galaxy isn't that great a game, at least compared to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.
Finally someone who shares my opinion on that game! I hate Galaxy.
Not to mention they took out the best part about 64 and Sunshine: being able to get stars you're not even suppose to get yet. I still wouldn't say I hate it, though. It's just disappointing and kinda meh for me. I still managed to play it off and on to get halfway through, though that was by playing one level per session.
Definitely that point there. I loved the 'surprise' when you got a star you weren't
actually aiming for.
I loved Galaxy, but it definitely didn't sit right, the lack of exploration was definitely a factor.
Also -- I fucking hate playing Mario as a virtual obstacle course (some Sunshine levels drove me fucking crazy for that).