It is way to similar to the other Sim City games in the series except with a few new features. The graphics are a lot better and it is now possible to add your own sims from the game “The Sims” but the game didn't keep me interested for more than 2 weeks.
Pretty much all you do is, like in the other Sim City games, is make a city and try not keep people happy without going broke, Personally I think the game needs better objectives, or even a mission based style.
Unless you are just looking for a Sim game with great graphics, I would suggest you buy another, older Sim City game because they are feely close to each other in general gameplay and the older Sim City games can be brought for a fraction of the price of Sim City 4.