I don't actually think the graphics are particularly impressive, aside from a handful of pseudo-3D effects. It's definitely recognizable as an NES game to me.

I don't actually think the graphics are particularly impressive, aside from a handful of pseudo-3D effects. It's definitely recognizable as an NES game to me. But in terms of game and level design, I just think Kirby's Adventure has a more modern sensibility to it. It's the kind of game I can just pick up and play for an hour without realizing it (and not in a doomscroll-y way). Perhaps if I was more studied in game design I'd be able to pick out exactly what it was doing differently. I suspect it largely comes down to the controls and the level design—and even the simple fact that it's not punishingly difficult.