The abstracted control was an elegant and economical framing. After a couple confusing deaths I understood what I could and couldn't do (I read things but not really, like most people). Figuring out the abilities was quick because death is quick. No bloating. Loved getting attacked through the frame by the cat.
I really felt at the mercy of the original layout, but all the fixes I could imagine would slow the game down too much so I didn't mind.