Haha, playing "battlecruisers" in the spacebar was a riot :) I just finished replaying sq5 last night, and yes, I think the spacebar is the only venue of the kind you're describing. I, as well, loved the mall in sq4 - just don't miss that dang credit card on the way in!!
As far as the original post - I am on the exact same page. I seen the way the main character looked and was immediately let down by the cartoonish feel. However, now that I've accepted that this is NOT Space Quest, but a new game, and now that I've seen the corridor images, I'm feeling great about it. I'm as excited now as I would have been if they were making sq7. The two guys know very well what made their SQ games so fun to play.. and I believe they are aiming to deliver once again.