Your description is a bit vague, but the watercolor-like art style really stands out. Aside from Legend of Mana, maybe it was **Alundra**? It was pretty popular back then and had some unique art directions.

It's a mixed bag really. You're right about the inaccessibility issue, and it does affect immersion. But to be fair, the attention to detail in the open world is unparalleled. Those fake NPCs keep things entertaining too, you've gotta admit.