Yeah, Mario has always been the same. You jump on enemies and they explode. KH usually is more creative when trying to make new features. (not trying to hurt Mario fanboys' feelings.)
Remember, the people who review games nowadays grew up with Mario when they were little, so they hold Mario, Pacman, DK, Zelda, all those classics very close to their hearts and will obviously rate their childhood hero higher because they like him more compared to other characters to start. When the new generation grows up next and starts to review games, it will likely reflect that change in the way that Mario won't get as much attention and other games that are coming out and succeeding now will (in other words, CoD will still be on top).
I don't know why people orgasm at a new Mario game. It's the same shit.
So is Pokemon, but that game is still amazing every rendition!