I'm considering buying this game but there are a couple things I would like to know before i get it. First, do I have to use the tactical view or can i get through the game and still enjoy it without it? I never really liked controlling more than one character or telling others what to do. I would also like to know if there is an option to let my companions auto-level themselves and their abilities/weapons/armor etc. I just want to focus on my character and pour all of my attention into him or her. So is this a viable option or will I just get steamrolled come late-game content?

I have found Tactical View useful at times, though frankly it's a little bit cumbersome in small spaces. I'm not going to say that you'll need it to finish the game, but I will say that on Normal difficulty you will probably have to, at times, pause the action and tell some characters what to do. Not that often, though, and definitely not every battle.

You can automatically distribute skill points if you want to, though I don't think you can for the main character.

Also, there's no auto-equip option for your companions. You'll have to choose their weapons and armor manually. Auto-level is totally in, though.

If I'm fighting fodder enemies below my level than there is no need. When I fight harder enemies I do feel like you need to babysit your team a little more.

It's actually pretty neat because you really shouldn't have to waste time on going into tactical overview for shitty little side scuffles. I don't think a single battle went by in Dragon Age: Origins where I wasn't coordinating every last move like some grand maestro. In Inquisition, thankfully, for easier fights you can just hang back and watch the fireworks.

Depends on difficulty. If you are on Normal or lower you probably won't need to touch it ever (I use it for dragons a little but I usually make sure my level is the same or higher than them and it hasn't been an issue).

If you're on normal or easy no if you're on Hard or Nightmare yes.

I never used it at all on normal (I think it controls like utter crap on a controller) and I was totally fine.

I still wish it wouldn't jerk the camera back to the party member when you select them (unless im really dumb and theres an option to change that)