/vr/ - Retro Games

So, according to OP this is probably a decent place to ask questions about Descent. I've recently decided to play it a bit (first time), starting with the first one and using the Rebirth source port. Here are the questions:

1. I seem to vaguely remember there being some cinematics; however, in 1 I only got text-over-picture intermissions and short cinematics when escaping the blowing up bases. Are longer cinematics a Descent 2 thing or is there a problem with playback?

2. Movement. I remapped controls to WASD so now my ship controls sort of like an FPS protag, but in 3D. That seems fine for combat, but I get really fucked up by things attacking me from behind. The turning speed seems kinda low, too. Is that just how the game is?

3. I'm curious, the game has save everywhere function, but also lives system and the way savegames are accessed feels like an afterthought (can't save in escape menu). Was it supposed to be completed "in one go" initially?