Sometimes during the game, I turn my sound and music off and set the graphics to low because I'm on a laptop, they settings will revert to normal before I messed with them.
I think you need to end the series at 5. I feel that 5 strayed a bit too far from it's roots that made it a game that let it's mark. I love 1-4, 5 is ok..but it feels like a different game.
When you hit a boss check point and die at the boss, don't de spawn the monsters. If you die at a boss you need to upgrade. When you lose most the ability to upgrade is a kick in the shin.
Assists added, check out action awards post here: http://www.kongregate.com/forums/157-bigheadbash/topics/275741-spicy-horse-post-action-awards