I don't recall exploding barrels in BG1&2.
Holy crap everyone! This guy just figured out what is wrong with BG3. Here we thought there was a discourse about differences in RTwP and TB combat or the value of 3d animation in conversations. But all along it was the barrels.
I for one am relieved that we have the answer.
Whew that was a close one, I almost played a game that had modern video game mechanics in it.