The Sandbox nature of it was the best part for me and the modding community is really good too. But you just have to like sandboxing and want to invest lots of time in it to really make it work for you.
I put my photo diary in the dynasty forum, some pretty good stuff.
Cities Skylines Photo Diary - Front Office Football Central
It's a lot of fun especially if you like that sort of game, but it's super immersive. Some flaws, but overall the city simulator of one's dreams.