Level Analysis Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland

Kirby's Nightmare in Dreamland's tutorial level is relatively simple with little room for failure. Platforming is relatively simple and calm with a slow pace. No more than three enemies are on the screen at the same time, and one of them usually has an ability the player can absorb to help clear the others.  The game's difficulty only scales up through the introduction of new special enemies and slight platforming changes. Platforming is never too difficult due Kirby's floating abilities, and its only effect on the difficulty is the angle on which enemies will approach you from. 

Enemies in Kirby and divided into two types. Special enemies, which can be absorbed to gain a special ability that replaces Kirby's inhale ability until Kirby is hit, and basic enemies that provide no bonus abilities.

The game does not directly teach the game's controls and mechanics, which could stump a player unfamiliar with the Kirby franchise. It is also never revealed if water can damage Kirby or how Kirby controls under water until you first land in the water.

However, when Kirby swallows an enemy, a Kirby automatically showcases the ability he just absorbed. The player can also press a button to read a text description of the ability.  New special enemies are also placed with enough distance from the player that they will broadcast their attacks before they have the chance to hit the player.

]Besides this, game does a poor job of explaining its mechanics to the player through text or visual ques, and instead relies on player experience. For example, it is never hinted that Kirby can fly until the player mashes the jump button. I feel like this design decision was intentional, as the relatively simple nature of the controls allows for quick player experimentation. Later in the game, this design philosophy could be used to encourage the player to try to absorb as many enemies as possible to try to discover new sets of abilities. I feel this is further encouraged by having a hidden enemy underground that can not be accessed in the first play-through of the level.