Is it me or is M Effect very confusing at first?

For some reason I just can't get the hang of M Effect. It just seems like there is too much to take in as far as the menus go. For instance, is there even a place in one of the menus to see all of the upgrades you have available for use in one list? I open up boxes, then I forget what I just got and I have to go from weapon to weapon to figure out what it was that I just got. Also, if a party member has the abililty to throw boulders & stuff do I make him do that or does he do it by himself? Am I mentally challenged or is this game a lot to take in at first and confusing?