I played Space Station 13 after reading some suggestions in this thread.Amaror said:You really should try Space Station 13.
I have to say it's a bit too complex to get in it for me and i don't have enough time to do it, like i once had with df, but if you really want to play such a game and can get yourself through the intense complexity, you will most likely have a blast of a time.
You're right, it's very close to what I was describing.
It's way over-complicated and the controls are atrocious, but the core idea is cool. It's fairly popular too: I don't see why more games like this aren't around. With updated graphics and better design, it could make for a very engaging experience. Yet what they've accomplished with such a non-existent budget is very impressive.
Especially ironic considering all the people in this thread who seem to think it's non-viable or downright impossible to make a game like this.