And, do monsters lurk in mines?
no (sadly)
so i think i've come up with the perfect formula for an MMO survival game
> massive structure tree, incredibly long lasting fulfillment for people who love building
> massive world with many resources, some unique to specific continents and areas, with pre-built structures lying around here and there and many interesting objects to be dug up and found
> action-RPG style fighting system: imagine the 3d legend of zeldas, only against other players and affected by stats. you'd actually have to use your shield!
> large-ish item tree with items being able to constructed by any viable material, and for players to add their unique 'touch' to an item by increasing a specific stat or something
> the world is easy to get around, but never gives you the feeling it's "small": nothing goes much faster then a real-world biplane, if it even goes that fast. unless it's an enemy, and it's a dash move
NOTEDIT: oh stuff ninja'd