I also don't understand why there is so much hype for this game (or the franchise in general). It's just a 3D rail-shooter. It's pretty fun, but I don't get why it's considered one of the greatest games of all time.
Maybe I'm just spoiled by more free-roaming shooters like Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.
The worst part of the game has to be your allies. They don't help at all and it's just a chore to keep them alive. It feels like an escort mission most of the time.