I think moreso than even the art, was the music. I usually like Sakimoto in other things (Odin Sphere/Valkyria Chronicles), but none of his tracks ever feel like anything but background noise. I won't say Hamauzu (X, XIII) is super amazing, but I always felt he felt more like Uematsu. Very "riff" based, trying to have catchy songs that, while simple, tried to tie its music to a certain place.
Outside of Rabanastre, I can't tell you one XII from the next, other than it being 'orchestral stuff.' I get keeping continuity between production teams, but going back to XII for any reason just feel like a chore. Then again, maybe I'm just more suited to stuff like rock and metal music. The way orchestral stuff is structured would probably never grab me.
"Evening caress, Always yearning, I must confess, The stars aren't burning"
Copernicus - Candlemass