The reason TPM looks a lot more like a SW movie is because it was shot on film + they used real sets and locations which is its saving grace unlike the latter two prequels where Lucas went overboard with 99% CGI alien characters as opposed to the OT where non-human characters were either people in costumes or puppets and of course the obvious nauseating blue/green screen backgrounds, speaking of which, I once read that when Ewan McGregor was approached by Michael Bay for the movie The Island when he wrapped up ROTS he was reluctant at first because he was tired of shooting in front of blue screens and green screens but Bay told him not to worry because he prefers practical effects. McGregor later admitted working on The Island was a welcome relief because once more he was working on location and physical sets.