Well I wouldn't say Python is too 'simple', it is a very good language to use. I'm a professional software engineer who works with C++ mainly, however I still use Python a lot because it is a beautiful scripting language. For example, much of Civilization IV is scripted in Python.
Of course you are right that languages like Java can certainly handle more complex stuff. But only consider that if you are really ready to jump into complex stuff, which it sounds like you probably aren't (even I'm not, and I've studied a great deal of programming). It would be good to start with Python, because of its intuitive and natural language style. I believe there is a good Python module called 'PyGame' which is supposed to be a very helpful game development kit.
If you do want something more advanced, I don't know Java, but I can highly recommend C++. Definitely choose C++ instead of C, because C++ lets you use classes and objects, which are essential for RPG style games (e.g. if you want to create classes of monsters with their hitpoints, AI, etc.) Try www.cplusplus.com for the tutorial I started with. Download Visual Studio Express, which is a very good (free!) IDE, the exact same software we use at work to design the video effects you see in films like Avatar or Ice Age (I work for the film tech industry).
As for graphics, there are good kits like DirectX and OpenGL which can transform your C++ code into visuals the way you want it. As you probably know, many game designers use these. But it'll take time to learn. Don't try and make your SciFi game yet, start with simple things like text adventures or ASCII games.
Don't worry about not having access to school or 'expensive' courses. Every single programmer I know taught themselves programming from books or the internet, usually from free online tutorials, as did I. You are not at any disadvantage in that respect at all. It's the digital information age, you have access to it all at the touch of your fingertips.
And yeah, don't waste your time with Game Making programs. Sure, they might help you build something quick and nice, but at the end of the day you won't have learnt anything from it and it won't make you a better game programmer.
And btw, if you make games and programs at a young age, and can provide demonstrations of your work, it'll look brilliant on your CV if you decide to go into a tech-related career in the future.