We have the initial code written for respawning and checkpoints, but it was causing various issues so we had to disable it last minute before submission. I'm also aware of the start button not working quite right sometimes, and it ties into the same issue so I'm hoping that once we fix one of the problems the other will also be resolved. I definitely want to get that working because I agree very much. I am so sick of watching the cutscene even though I love how we did it, and there will be a skip button for that.
I also really appreciate your feedback about the combat, we will make them take a bit more damage or reduce their health, I think it would also possibly be fun to make headshots an instakill so we might consider implementing that too. We will keep in mind your comments about the minigames as well but we also want them to cause a bit of unease a take a bit since you can be caught while doing them, but if it isn't fun we will look into how to maybe make it feel a bit better.
Thank you so much for the honest feedback, it really helps us to know where we might have pain points that can be improved in the game and we appreciate it.