I watch a lot of let's plays and playthroughs of puzzle games, since I like to see how different people solve problems and approach the design of the levels. I like to see the way games accommodate different styles of thinking.
I noticed a pattern though. Usually women (even smart ones who get through the game) are completely unable to pick up on more than the game's base gameplay systems without handholding. Games which have ambient story, artistic themes, or humor tend to land with just a vacant blank stare. The artistic vision of the game is lost on them, whereas men usually pick up on it.
It's also the case with games like soulslikes where the storytelling is very shallow and vague. They just won't register it at all.
I think women just aren't suited to engaging with games as an artistic medium.