Definitely a fun idea and I do love the overall feel of it. I agree with some others that jumping the little guy around can be a bit tricky, but considering your programmer had a problem (hopefully they're okay), it's great that it is what it is from the jam. Presumably animations where the levers change position when you pull them are among those you didn't have chance to implement?
I got both arms up the first time around and for some reason couldn't get the apple, but it worked fine on the second attempt. Great idea!