Originally posted by MadScot
Major difference between the two games:
SimCity is pretty much 'real-time' - in the bizarre way 'real time' is used for computer games - while Civ is turn based. Even though you can pause SimCity, and Civ has a turnless mode, the games at heart have that difference.
Personally, I consider 'real time strategy' to be a complete oxymoron. Strategy means stopping and thinking, not reacting as fast as you can. On that basis alone Civ scores mightily in my books.
There are many interesting premises out there, but when I see 'real time strategy' on the box it pretty much goes right back on the shelf.
(and yes, I do have SimCity...bought while my civ was u/s)