Most Realistic System?

[tbarrie]

If you really want realistic, then the most realistic system is free-form role-playing; it can be as realistic or as fantastic as you want. [...]In my experience, a very detailed set of rules actually makes a system less realistic.

That was my initial reaction too, but upon further thought I'm not sure it's true. Even detailed RPG systems are still RPG systems, which means they're almost always written with the assumption that the GM is going to override the rules if they give nonsensical results. And a well-designed set of detailed rules is a useful guide for situations where the GM honestly isn't sure what would realistically happen.

Detailed rules are only a problem if you're gaming with the sort of person who honestly thinks drowning can heal you in third edition D&D, and that this is a knock against the system's realism. And I'm unconvinced such people exist other than on internet forums.