Yeah, it can be a bit obtuse, MM especially since it's rather different within it's formula. Yes, it's full of the standards like the puzzles, & trade chains, but also has far more focus on learning & remembering what the characters need & an extremely strong emphasis on learning schedules & note taking. I recall really struggling as a kid because you were expected to intuit things like the schedules, or talk to everyone repeatedly to figure out what they wanted, depending on which day it was. I think many get very intimidated since they assume it needs to be all done in 3 days on the first go, when, absolutely not- and the game does not tell you that you're expected to take many rewinds.
Example: I'm fairly certain he DOES mention it, but I remember feeling so frustrated that the first Deku Merchant wanted the Moon Tear & I just did not know what to do with that thing when I finally got it (granted, I was very young, so I probably just missed it from reading). So I repeated it a lot since I'd find it, then not know where to take it since I didn't talk with him again to note that he wanted it? That said, a ton you just... organically figure out over time, & MM has a lot of "Oh!" moments with that once it clicks. That can be very satisfying. There's of course a few nonsense moments, such as leaps of faith, but overall it's a very good game if you're just willing to note everything & pay attention on each day. It can be revealing just to start a new loop & see what happens if you DON'T do certain things, sometimes.
I honestly sort of miss the days where games would just not tell you anything & you're meant to organically figure it out without built-in guides or pop-ups that jump in far too quickly (looking at you, Fi). A lot of games today frankly have to beat tutorials in over your head since they just have complex mechanics, & that's fine, but, it really takes me out of it. I think this is why some modern gamers really got hooked on stuff like Dark Souls, which, while I don't agree with some parts of the game design- it does feel GREAT when you do figure out stuff, puzzles & lore or otherwise.
