Where's the real Caesar?
Also, the map interface is clumsy. Especially when you're trying to rotate views, yikes - a few twists and turns and you're ready to barf. Even scrolling to the edge of the map has its restrictions. For instance, when you're building on the edge of the map, you're restricted from scrolling further to get the edge on the middle of your screen, which makes it really annoying when you're trying to fit a pump house on the bottom-right portion of the monitor and you can't see exactly where the water is at.
The gameplay was surprisingly difficult. If you're new to the Caesar series, you'll have a tough time meeting your goals, even on EASY! On a lighter note, Caesar 4 still has that addictive gameplay caused by wanting to design a city that flourishes. It's cool to watch the evolution of buildings. Structures such as insulae, markets and religious structures grow in evolution as your city becomes prosperous (but is can also work the other way around).
Your advisors are really helpful as well, or at least the interface, because they give detailed information of what your city may be lacking.
As far as military battles, they're cute...
If you're a Caesar fan, you can't help but to buy it. The game still holds decent value and the $39.99 retail price ain't that bad. The price will probably drop another $10 in 6 months or so. New fans should buy it then.