If you like to be told what to do and when to do it, this is the game for you!
The game pretty much tells you what to do and when to do it.
For instance:
If the townfolk are eating more than the food supply – build more farms
If something burns down – build a "firehouse" close by
If the Gods get angry - build their respective temples
If all the taxes are not being collected – build governmental offices
Etc…
It will tell you just like that, it will say:
"The townfolk are eating more than the food supply"
If you build something out in the middle of nowhere it will say:
"There needs to be a road leading here"
STRATEGY: Don't build any extra luxury items until it says there is a problem. i.e. If the town people are bored, build an actors colony and stage (but not before the problem is mentioned).
STRATEGY: Start with the small buildings and build larger only when it tells you that more of the product or service is needed
Get the picture. It gives you a problem scenario and you just need to correct it.
The reason I gave you the "how to play" in a nutshell is to show you that a monkey could be trained to play this game. I really wouldn't take this game too seriously, and if you win this game the first time you play, it really isn't that much of an accomplishment.
Not to say this game isn't fun – for a while. The game does keep you moving, there are always things to do and fix. Your hands will ALWAYS be moving during this game. As long as you play conservatively (don't overbuild), there should be no reason why you can't win the first time you play.
This game is fun if you have NEVER played this type of game (micro-managing). If you are an expert in this type of game, I would recommend that you steer clear.