I think I see what you mean and with these clarifications we are in agreement. There is a lot of modern works of interactive fiction that goes way beyond what the old text adventures did, and work even when judged as art or literature. I just haven't played much of it because I'm a fan of the old-style games.

As for the specific question, they would progress at Rematch by figuring out ever more complicated interactions that work and will be used to survive, naturally.