Oh i've got to hear your reasoning for the mystery games bit.

same basic problem as puzzle games for me. theres some solution a designer thought was clever and im supposed to come to it and say 'how clever'. as soon as there's any resistance or difficulty im like 'ok what would the guy making this game think' and i rarely care enough to find out. games are at their best imo when their place space is made up of more open systems with tools and problems

Okay I can see that, giving more power to the player instead, which I totally see, Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts does that amazingly. I think there is a difference between types of Puzzle/Mystery games though. I don't think Mystery games are fundamentally a bad idea though, and are well suited for video games. There is the problem of clashing with whatever the writer was thinking, but ideally the writer is skilled enough that it makes you feel like that isn't happening. Old point and clicks obtuse puzzles come to mind. I think as long as the world is consistent, and there are plenty of hints/foreshadowing, that can really help the player not clash with the creator's brain.

obviously lots of people like them, im just being dramatic. i dont want to think about the creator's brain when im playing a game. best puzzle game experiences for me are ones where theres no friction at all so i never have to think about it, which obviously thats very boring, but at least its not annoying, and then ideally the writing and general tone/experience is enjoyable enough to carry you through

Yeah I get that. Sometimes I get that wish for no friction feeling frequently too.