In my opinion this looks much much better!

The graphics look really cool.

The idea of this level is really cool, but in my opinion the modern Mario model and the retro graphics of everything else just dont match.
If your game isnt intended as completely retro styled, i recommend to change the pipe graphic to a retro style. This would look much better than a retro level and one modern pipe.
If you wanna make a retro styled hack with every level in retro style, you should try to change the Mario model (and probably the enemy sprites too). But I don't know if and how this works.

But all in all i can say: keep going! The graphics themselve look really good and the level looks interesting.

I'm lost to why you decided to use nsmb ds. From my perspective choosing nsmb wii or smw would be more beneficial. I don't see the nsmb ds element you're trying to keep. SMW has way more support if you want to build a 2d mario game (nsmb ds is 2.5d), and nsmbWii has more ability for events and sprites.

Not trying to be rude, just don't want you putting more work on yourself for no reason.

Im saying that there are different advantages to which game you edit. SMW and SM Wii have more qualities for the rom hack that you are making in my opinion. SMW is meant for 2d and SM Wii has more options.

That is fine. Just wanted to inform you on your options. I don't understand what 3D levels mean tho.

Yeah, that backround looks much better than the MS paint from the original.

Also, doesn't this belong in 'New Hacks'?

thank you