I disagree. It's not an engine problem if a game look like others. Most of the time, it's not lack of creativity too. It's often, not taking risk and applying what is already working.

And using a game engine lets you take those risks because you can iterate and release faster.

Studios will take more risk on a $3m game than a $6m game.

Rightly so, but than the $3m game feels like every other $3m game. Without the risk, you don't get the whole innovated design of a new game.