My first playthrough I tried to make a utopian city, not understanding the balance concept, and quickly died for my hubris. This has taught me a lesson I will apply to the real world. (Not really, but I had fun, and tried at least three times.)
I'm usually not a fan of AI art being used in games, but I think a game where you need a new graphic for every every decision is a good excuse for it, and it was used well. I think my favorite part was actually losing though. I liked seeing my financial lizards jump to their doom.