A similar concept although old and I don't quite recommend is the game called Outpost. Where you try to load up a ship with limited supplies and try to survive on an inhospitable planet with these supplies. But it is more like a city builder than anything. Beyond that I cannot think of any type of game like Homeworld in narrative.
Outpost 2 though. That. game. That game. It is dated, now obviously... but the story, which with each mission you unlock a new chapter of. mmm mmm mmm.
I DO recommend that game. Hmm. how do I say this without spoilers... that story still affects my dreams.
And I think it is the story which is what the OP is after, yes?
Try outpost 2. Its free now.
http://www.outpost2.net/outpost2.php
and, back in the day, of course it was the music and video which took all the !!super valuable harddrive space!! Which is a separate download on that website, so dont forget it!