One game which for me is closest to Dwarf Fortress and which for me, tend to beat it in few areas ( graphics, while still being text only, structure of the world ) is Ultima Ratio Regum[0].

It is still in very deep beta state, but this doesn't stop richness and complexity of worlds generated in it. It is seriously underrated project, and whole blog if worth a read

[0] http://www.ultimaratioregum.co.uk/game/