Hi Harrison,
In general I do like the 3D space scenes, its the 2D levels between that sometimes get on my nerves because of the mentioned abysses and my 3D problems.
I kind of get the idea that the developers weren't complete sure what to go for.
The whole ray racing brings back nightmares from Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future. I hated the whole floating water sections as one misjump could force you to start over again and you never knew when you had reached a checkpoint.
Well its good that there are plenty of lives but if you go so quickly through them its not so fun.