While there are points and tips to help people, really this reads like a "wow noob, why do you suck?" and those kinds of posts are never useful to people.
So... here are some real tips for new players!
1. Explore, Interact, Experiment.
I don't explore maps much, I don't pay attention to dialogue and I focus mostly on smooshing zombies. Thankfully, my gf is OCD and a packrat so I don't have to! But for you, I'd suggest you look in every nook and cranny for secrets, loot and puzzle answers.
At the same time, talk to everyone, because they might have a clue you were not expecting... or a mission you didn't know was there.
And whether you're in combat or in town, experiment with things to get results you might not be aware of... for example firing your lightning bow at a barrel of water might stun all those nasty mobs.
2. Skills are not just for damage!
Pet Pal is one of the games' best sources of experience... talking to animals gets you quite a few quests, to the point I would only suggest skipping it if you really hate animals. (Btw it's a talent not a skill, but it's just that awesome, and you only need 1 person to take it.)
Crafting/Blacksmithing are great too, turning an antler, a stick and a knife into a way to take out that skeleton mage is awesome.
3. Take control of that board!
When you get into combat, in a mass fight with half a dozen monsters on each side... the most important thing is control. Board positioning isn't as important as knowing which threat needs to be suppressed. Think a couple of moves ahead sometimes, perhaps you need to teleport a barrel of ooze first and risk getting plugged with arrows to set it on fire the next? Think a few moves ahead and don't worry about taking damage just because you chose to use a rain spell, if the next turn you set the water a sizzling and stun half the enemy forces.
4. A Balanced party is a happy party.
You wouldn't field a team of 11 quarterbacks/goalies so why use nothing but fire mages? You'll run into a variety of damage immune monsters in this game, so variety is the spice of life. Hybrid characters will work just fine because you can use gear to sure up any weak attributes (if you have any).
And finally, the most important part of this game...
5. Have Fun.
If you're not having fun, why play? Easy mode doesn't make the puzzles easier, just the combat. If you prefer the lore, the intrigue and the dialogue feel free to lower the difficulty and play the game your way... don't listen to people going "wow noob how are you sucking at this game im so good its easy yeah im so awesome."
