well there are several reasons why this one gets passed over.
the first is of course after the disater that was FF VIII many fans gave up on the series.
second is that the fans who enjoyed FF VII and FF VIII for thier futuristic looks didnt like the regression back to a more mideivel time.
third is of course the lack of "sex appeal" [a factor I wish that wasnt a part of it]
and the most damning factor is the fact it came in between a transgression from PS1 to PS2, and every one was more interested in the promises of FF X and a new console to toy with.