I enjoyed this, which is more than I can say for Earthbound.

The biggest problem with this game is that it has a dominant strategy that is both obvious and tedious.  Basically, if the enemy has any items, there is no reason to ever not open up with item mischief + curl.  It costs nothing, it gets you free items, and you can switch to another upgrade for your actual attack.  But switching upgrades all the time is just tedious, so I usually didn't bother and just played with Item Mischief permanently equipped.  And I won anyway.

The lack of difficulty in the game is both a blessing and a curse.  On one hand, it makes the battles less tedious by removing the need to switch upgrades.  On the other hand, it makes the entire game more tedious by never presenting a serious challenge.

So what's left if the gameplay offers no challenge?  There's the story.  Which is far too goofy to take seriously on any level without ever actually being funny.

So, yes, I enjoyed the game, but it felt like empty calories.  The game equivalent of junk food.  Having played it and enjoyed it, I kind of regret doing so.