living in the current world is most definitely NOT simcity (first off no ufo attacks or giant mecha yet)
simcity is an idealized/simplified way of managing a city. no water? make a pump to the zone. traffic problems? build new roads. crime infesting your city? build a police station/jail system. no money? call cousin vinnie
and these are instantaneous as well without any redtape crap from city councilmen.