Just got it yesterday, actually, and it is indeed an awesome game. The first "real" Mario game in a loooooong time. Mario 64 never really felt right to me actually, I didn't like it that much.
But this game is a pure masterpiece, the graphics are spectacular, the control is awkward at times, due to being upside down alot, but easy to pick up after an hour or so. The music is masterful, easily on par with that of the FF games.