Pharaoh

Pharaoh is a wonderful game. It is much like civilization in many aspects of its gameplay, but on a much smaller scale that Civilization. Pharaoh makes you a dynasty ruler of ancient Egyptian towns. One town at a time, however. This is the difference between it and Civilization.
Pharaoh is also must more yellow than Civilization. This is because it takes place in the ancient deserts of Egypt, hence the name Pharaoh, as you are the Pharaoh. Civilization is more gray and blue.

In Pharaoh, you can find out the names and wants of your peons by clicking on them. This can help to achieve best results.
Make sure to pray to your gods if you wish to win this game. This is because the gods can smite you and kill your peoples if they so desire. Thus, you should pay heed and reverence to them, and not ignore them.
The graphics in this game are not the best, but they are decent. After all, how good to graphics need to be when ruling over an entire town, instead of just a household. However, they are a little less blocky than Civilization. Mush as how it is more yellow.
You should make sure to fulfill the needs of your people. Your people are your livelihood. Do not simply kill them and smite them. That is not the thing to do in this game. Unlike Black and White, you do not have the option to be supremely evil. So, beware. Your people need to live. Living is good. Dying is bad. Yellow is there. Get over the yellow.
I am not sure actually whether the game is more yellow or gold. I am now leaning towards gold. That is right. I never meant highlighter yellow, so fear not for your eyes.
In the beginning it suggests several Egyptian names, but you can, of course, make up your own. So, do not think you will not be able to put your own name if you are fretting. You need not fret.
The first few levels are sort of like tutorials. Then things gradually speed up and the demands on you increase. Do not think that the whole game will be like the first few levels, therefore.
So, you should try playing Pharaoh because it is a good and decent game that does not want to rip your head off and feed it to the dogs of war and revolution. Happy playing!