Hi, I think a modern gamepad is not the best to use. In my opinion the keyboard is better, or, of course, a real joystick. However, you can always move the gamepad diagonally, in the escape direction and down so you don't waste time when you step away from the dynamite.
Regarding the sounds, I recorded them directly from the VICE emulator, so the volume of the sounds should be as in the original. However, these are small things and by now I consider the project completed so I will not put my hand to it, unless there are important bugs. Also I'm working hard on other projects now, sorry.
Anyway, thanks for apprecciating the game !!!