I would lean toward Kerbal Space Program. It has a lot of depth and a fun style, and apparently some educational value as well [1][2].
You know, the obtuse interface and ASCII graphics of Dwarf Fortress don't bother me but they do hold me back from recommending it. I grew up on the Ultima series, MUDs and old-school roguelikes so my standards here are a bit dated. For a kid growing up in the age of Dark Souls III, a game like Dwarf Fortress might be relentlessly difficult to get into.
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I would lean toward Kerbal Space Program. It has a lot of depth and a fun style, and apparently some educational value as well [1][2].
You know, the obtuse interface and ASCII graphics of Dwarf Fortress don't bother me but they do hold me back from recommending it. I grew up on the Ultima series, MUDs and old-school roguelikes so my standards here are a bit dated. For a kid growing up in the age of Dark Souls III, a game like Dwarf Fortress might be relentlessly difficult to get into.
[1] http://www.pcgamesn.com/indie/physics-teacher-blasts-his-stu...
[2] http://www.kerbaledu.com/