Just beat it and loved it. The world, characters and aesthetic are so charming and well-done. The developer did a fantastic job of making them feel dynamic and changing throughout the game. I went back and visited characters/levels even when I didn't have to just to see how they had changed since I had last visited. The theme of bonds, whether family, friendship, love, is very wholesome and uplifting.
The only significant criticism I had is that combat does take a bit to really open up, but once it does it's alot of fun.
If you like turn-based rpgs, especially past Mario ones of any kind, you'll likely love this one too!
I've been kinda busy with other stuff but I have managed to get to just after the second lighthouse.
I'm enjoying it, but like you said it's a bit slow in the beginning. I wish there were more bosses.
I don't really know how to rank it because when it's good it's great but when it lags it starts feeling like Dream Team. I'd say so far it's better than Dream Team but not as good as Inside Story, Superstar Saga or Partners in Time.
It's still great though. That platformer based battle system is always a blast.