If you've never played before, I suggest you search for a free downloadable demo to try the game first.
If you've played SimCity, this game is a no-brainer in terms of the interface.
This game play is tricky, challenging. I think what may set it apart from a game such as SimCity is the fact that the Gods have substantial influence, both good and bad, and if you don't keep them happy by building temples and holding festivals, you're in for some trouble.
Fortunately, the game allows you to adjust time. After a few tries, I found it worthwhile to begin a game with time set very slow, go onto the map to build some roads, farms, and other basics and only AFTER that was done, would I build housing-- that way, as soon as people arrive, they've got a job to go to.
So, you can slow time down to give you a chance to scroll around and think things over, but if you're getting bored, you can speed things up very fast. To me, every game on earth should have that as a standard feature.
Some of the commands are confusing, you'll want to look at the manual and some forums for tips. I've only played a few hours so far, and give it a tentative thumbs-up.