Richly simulated worlds
Recommendations by Emily ShortIF in which the setting is especially deeply simulated, especially works that implement traditionally difficult systems (fire, liquid, ropes, recording devices, etc).
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1. Sunset Over Savannah, by Ivan Cockrum (1997)
Average member rating: 
(51 ratings)
Emily Short says:
A beautifully-realized and complete game world incorporating objects with multiple parts, underwater sequences, and the manipulation of liquids, among other things.
2. The Mulldoon Murders, by Jon Ingold (2002)
Average member rating: (10 ratings)
Emily Short says:
The full range of states from ice to steam is implemented, and liquids can be mixed with powder. Heat/coolness also shows up for objects other than the liquids. Some neat stuff here and quite entertaining.
3. Enlightenment
by Taro Ogawa
(1998)
Average member rating: (40 ratings)
Emily Short says:
Compact and humorously designed, with puzzles that build on repeated use of objects, but combine nicely towards a single goal. An excellent example of how to pack an entertaining game into a small space. Placed fifth in IF Comp 1998.
4. The Erudition Chamber
by Daniel Freas
(2003)
Average member rating: (25 ratings)
Emily Short says:
Features a module to model the ability of some objects to destroy other objects, for which the source code has apparently been released.
5. The Meteor, the Stone and a Long Glass of Sherbet
by Graham Nelson (as Angela M. Horns)
(1996)
Average member rating: (49 ratings)
Emily Short says:
Features both a rope and a ladder, both of which can be moved around and used to ascend and descend.
6. Friendly Foe, by Mike Sousa (2003)
Average member rating: (2 ratings)
Emily Short says:
This art show entry, though it has a central puzzle, also offers a very thoroughly implemented environment in which the player is allowed to do a wide array of interesting things. I never solved the puzzle myself, but I enjoyed wreaking havoc in the PC’s yard.
7. Flametop, by David J. Malaguti (2004)
Average member rating: (2 ratings)
Emily Short says:
A simulation of an electric guitar.
8. The Fire Tower
by Jacqueline A. Lott
(2004)
Average member rating: (48 ratings)
Emily Short says:
An art show entry about a leisurely walk through a national park, including lots of views of scenery and the surrounding countryside.
9. The Oracle, by Brandon Allen (2002)
Average member rating: (4 ratings)
Emily Short says:
Features an extended underwater sequence over several locations.
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