We analyze N-level systems for population transfer by counterintuitive pulse delay, in which N-2 intermediate states are strongly coupled by dressing, laser fields. We have carried out specific analysis for the four- and five-level systems using a dressed-state picture, as representatives for even-N- and odd-N-Ievel systems, respectively. We have found that the dynamics of the systems are essentially different for even-N- and odd-N-level systems, and that complete population transfer assisted by dressing fields is more restrictive for even-N-level systems than for odd-N-level systems. [S1050-2947(99)02901-7].