That depends on how its implemented. If you can bring everything you own with you, theres no period limitation on what items can be used (laser guns in the ice age for instance) and no major changes per period on how towns/cities are handled then yes, its just TPing with a fancy name. However if each place has its own unique look and feel to the environment, restrictions on items and unique items, and period correct individual storylines it should be fun. Yes its basically the same code, but I think I can suspend my disbelief if certain other criteria are attempted at least adequately. Rocktropia however is completely a marketing platform. Might work if more than 1 world existed and had its own vibrant communities. Wont work if its just Calypso and a couple other thinly populated worlds with similar items. Cyrene is supposed to have quite a deep storyline to go with it. I think this world in particular is the one folks are most looking forward to, and the world that Next Island and Calypso will strive to keep pace with.
Just played the game Singularity and in that game you travel in time 50 years. This brings you to the same place only 50 years later or earlier, wich is pretty cool. Buildings are in the same place just look older or newer because of some war there was. In next island the distance you travel seems a bit longer, but it could still work the same.