No, it isn't hard at all. Like ptx said, journal is vague so you have to listen to quest giver. But it is far from being exceptionally tricky game to finish. Compared to modern games, sure.
Although I got stuck on couple occasions but both times it was my mistake because I wasn't able to see hidden passage, mainly because I didn't use light/torches. First time in red mountain cave, second time couldn't find entrance to Dagoth Ur's lair.
Finding secret passages in Dark Souls is way harder, without wiki assistance of course. Also there is one optional quest in Two Worlds II where you have to explore tombs, each more complex than previous. They are pitch black (torches don't help much) and there is no map of said tombs in game, which is why they ask you to explore them.
Gothic is pretty much the same roam free experience like Morrowind except first two games are a bit small. Third game doesn't give you much hints, just drop you in some village. It is up to you where to go.
Of course, the arcade RPGs are nothing compared to their role models, true P&C adventure games where you need to solve challenging puzzles to complete the game.