My problem is that I keep seeing things in terms of RTS than in MMORPG.

For instance, I think about Tropico a lot in this instance. Even though the plight was political rather than resource-driven, the people of the island could still display their needs. Additional needs of the island goers would include a risk of madness, a need for starches, a need for shade, and fresh water (of course).

Every few years a boat, helicopter or plane would crash on the island, stranding island-goers. A carpenter was stranded on the island! Make him teach the rest of your island mates how to build houses/churches/boats. Watch their skills begin to increase! A plumber was washed ashore, and is still alive! Nurse her back to health, and with enough timing, she will bring bamboo plumbing to the island!

Your tutorial could be called 'Stranded: The three-hour tour.'

Remember: Robinson Crusoe's most prized possession was a handful of corn, and his bible.

I would probably play this game. Of course, I'm a bit biased.

Patrick

I know I sound like a fan-boy mentioning this game all the time, but play Clonk Planet. Mining, harvesting, crafting, building, terraforming, and fighting all in a simple 2D Lemmings-ish game. Holy crap that game is sweet. It's also the source of the most truces of necessity and backstabbing shenanigans I've ever seen. "Sure, I'll dig you out of your cistern, but only if you give me your horse," and "Yeah, I've got some lumber. Why do you want it? Building some spears, are we?" or "You want rocks? HERE THEY COME!" (loads catapult)