I have to say that, while it's realistic, I'm not a fan of the multiplayer aspect, and it doesn't sound like you can play without it. Partly it's just not my thing, and partly I've never been great at games like that, although I like them. Any neighboring cities to mine would probably want to invade and depose me. I'd make a terrible mayor.
It looks fun, though--love all the tiny protesting Sims waving little signs outside City Hall.