Party handling: Are you talking about how this games doesnt work by selecting party members like you select units in starcraft or folders in windows? Ok sure I agree, you dont select them like that. This point doesnt make a lot of sense when you dont say anything about how youd like the party to be handled.

DoS combat: No it most definetly is not. It is turn based, thats about it. Movement works differently, action economy works diffferently(instead of an action point cost there are full actions and bonus actions and you get one of each), initiative works differently, abilities are gained differently and are new and different abilities. Combat is very different from DoS.

Surface gameplay: Yea here is the thing, surfaces are part of DnD too. DnD has surfaces that cost extra movement, it has spells that make sticky surfaces, entangling vines, etc. If you run on a patch of ice in a DnD session the DM is very likely to ask you to make a dexterity save to not fall on your ass. If you pour lamp oil on the ground, then light it on fire and the dance around in the fire, your DM would be kind of weird to decide that fire has no effect on you.