There is really no way in hell you'll get all the items on your first time through the game--some are exclusive to character choices, so give up now. And ignore the sidequests until you're better at dealing with the interface--getting through the game itself is what's most important during your first playthrough.

Also, I just have to say--Soren's background is pretty ugly, but no one is beating Nessiah's levels of messed-up.