When comparing Contraption Maker vs Kerbal Space Program, the Slant community recommends Kerbal Space Program for most people. In the question“What are the best PC games for kids?” Kerbal Space Program is ranked 4th while Contraption Maker is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose Kerbal Space Program is:
The physics engine does a reasonably accurate job of replicating the fundamentals behind both orbital dynamics and rocket design, so by going through the tutorials and experimenting, you're actually learning some real rocket science.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Steam Workshop support
Players are able to share their creations as puzzles to everyone else who has this game on Steam, although this can potentially include even sophisticated machines that requires little input, just to see what kinds of amazing things can be created.
Pro 2-player coop
Two players can work together on building a machine at the same time, coming up with all sorts of wacky ideas, or perhaps even getting creative with a "machine vs. machine" type of creation.
Pro Puzzles
There are over 200 puzzles for you to go through and figure out, from simple to complex, and often with one straightforward solution, but several alternate solutions.
Pro Variety of parts
There are over 100 parts to add to your machine, with a wide variety of uses and effects.
Pro No size limit
You can make machines as big as you want, with as many parts as you want. The only bottleneck is how much your own computer can take.
Pro Teaches orbital dynamics & rocket design fundamentals in an accessible manner
The physics engine does a reasonably accurate job of replicating the fundamentals behind both orbital dynamics and rocket design, so by going through the tutorials and experimenting, you're actually learning some real rocket science.
Pro Tons of stuff to do
Build rockets, space planes, space stations, rovers, landers, probes. Explore planets, moons, capture asteroids, set up a communications network, colonize a planet, mine for resources and much more. It can even simulate our solar system.
Pro Huge modding scene
There's a plethora of mods available that can change every single aspect of the game.
Pro Excellent construction sandbox for building and launching rockets
KSP at its core is a rocket building and launching sandbox. When creating a rocket you can place engines, fuel cells, structural elements, and even parachutes, allowing you to build a rocket in any shape and size. The end result can even look like a giant doughnut, which might be difficult to get it into outer space. Even if you fail, the entirety of the process is really enjoyable.
Pro Motivates you to learn
Kerbal Space Program puts into perspective how amazing the advancement of the human race is. It inspires you to learn our history, how we got here, and what we can do proceed.
Pro In constant development
KSP is a shinning example of early release done right. The currently available game is fun to play, and the developers are constantly adding new major additions.
Cons
Con Some visuals are poorly done
While the rockets, buildings, and even the Kerbals look pretty good, the environments and particle effects are a bit lacking.
Con Steep learning curve
Kerbal Space Program is not really a pick up and play title. It can take hours just go grasp the basics and the game will keep throwing new concepts at you as you progress into space, even stuff like orbital dynamics. Because of this, it can easily take dozens of hours to truly master this game.