I'm pretty dumb when it comes to video game puzzles, Tunic didn't really keep me back. The notes that this game wants you to take are baked into the book that your character carries. I'm not sure if you would think it is bad design or not. I thought it was a fantastic gameplay mechanic.

I don't think it's so cryptic to be impossible to figure out. It is puzzly, I literally had a "now whay?" Moment that was validated by the game echoing my sentiment.

It's a beautiful and wonderful game with such cool puzzle stuff. Very unique system of the game manual, and difficulty settings to adjust galore if you want to take it down a notch

It sure sounds like you would like it. I will say that for me, everything about the game is fantastic, except for the combat, which is kinda terrible. Especially the boss fights. Feels to me like they're trying to mimic a souls-like style, but really really overshot on difficulty.

Basically, I say go for it, but don't hesitate to drop the difficulty settings, if you're like me.

Also, get yourself a physical notepad. Yeah, I kind of agree that if note-taking and such is intended as part of the game, there should be a venue to support that in-game, but there isn't really.

Also, also, don't feel bad about having to look up some stuff for the really late/post-game puzzles. One thing they toom WELL from Dark Souls is the idea of puzzles that are really made to be solved by the collective wisdom of the community, not just you.

Also, also, also, don't disregard the language puzzle, completely. I did, and when I looked it up later, I wish I hadn't I wish I'd at least have given it a shot, for myself.

Good luck!