I'm not sure what to think of this game. The potentially emotional messages scattered throughout the level are muffled by the fact that you don't get much time to stick around and read them, since you're desperately running from the rising lava. The controls are fine as is, but since you don't get introduced to the level objects like levers and chains in a safe environment, you need to spend a bit of time figuring out what they do on your first playthrough — time that you can't afford to lose. Also, I know that it's supposed to look like an NES game, but the graphics don't really reflect that — if anything, they look more like what you'd see on an Atari game, or maybe a fantasy console.
Also, this doesn't really factor into my final score, but I don't like how you don't get an option to walk away from the ledge you're asked to jump off of... well, outside of closing the game then and there, that is. The emotional impact of the ending would be stronger if it was your choice, and if you could have chosen to keep living despite the hardships your character suffers.