I don't think there's anything vague about the mechanics in coil. There's a giant mark on my head; must mean I'm about to get hit with something. There's a tether on me; must mean I should find a way to break it. The tooltips are extremely descriptive. For example in T9:
  • Thunderstruck "Your body is accumulating a lightning charge. Will inflict lightning damage to those nearby when the effect ends." - I should probably get away from people so I don't hit them with lightning.
  • Raven Blight "Afflicted by the White Raven's miasma, which will soon cause you to explode." - I probably shouldn't explode on people.
  • Subversive Stance "Being commanded to execute actions that disrupt the enemy." - I should probably watch out for this golem; it might try to disrupt me.

Quote Originally Posted by Lilyarel View Post
I feel that no matter how hard a boss is, you should be able to defeat it on your first blind run through skill alone.
Reading is a skill. You might have learned it in elementary school. If you're good enough at it, you might have been able to figure out all of the T9 mechanics on your first blind run. It's possible!