Hmm. BG1 had more of that exploring going on, but then at the same time had not much finding going on, as there were lots of maps with just trees and a handful of random mooks in it, be it a gnoll or a gibberling or a wolf, all requiring the same tactic. The occasional 'find my dog or cat' quest here and there. There's not a single *cool dungeon* to be found in all of BG1, outside of the expansion pack and that was true then, as it is now.
BG2 fixed that problem, and is, in fact, a lot more similar to BG3. Now yes, you can revisit most areas. But even if you *can* go back to the Windspear Hills, why would you? Once you cleared it, it's an empty map. The occasional Orc or Goblin may spawn in, but that's it. Same holds true for the huge Act 1 maps in Bg3 - which will be left open to revisit for a LONG time. Depending on how you resolved the big quest in Act 1, you can lkeep trading at the Druid Grove until late Act 2. Still, in Bg2, most of the actual main story places you can't revisit, either. Irenicus'dungeon, Brynnlaw, Spellhold, Ust Natha are all locked out once you're past it.
Having said all this, I had kind of hoped that how you resolve Act 1, would translate into how Acts 2 and 3 played out, and/or you'd revisit that place for a second reckoning. You know: "Kagha is awesome, you will soon seen why." - I'm still waiting for an answer.
