Does anyone else just not understand Ryze?

Was just watching RossBoomSock's video of Ziggs mid against Ryze, he mentions 'I really just don't understand Ryze,' which I thought I was kind of alone in. Ever since they changed him I haven't really caught on to what makes him strong/weak. It's not that I haven't tried; I took him into a few bot matches, I've read into his skills and all that. I haven't really stressed over it but every time I see a Ryze in game I still don't really know what's going on. Anyone else feel the same?

For the record, I've never really felt confused about any other champion before. Even on release they might take a bit to get used to, and I might not get their strongest 'build' until I've seen it in game (Tank Fiora, Ivern maxing shield etc.) but I've never really been confused about how they operate.