spore's more interactive and childish while civilization is more detailed and strategy. I would go with civi.4 because of the 3 expansion packs and the fact that there really isn't any strategy in tribal or civilization stages in spore. plus when u get bored with normal gameplay you can play...
yes i would play it, and if you wish to become a game designer try to mix games together, for instance try to mix a first person shooter with a strategy game. I'm just trying to say be unique because the the unique games sell the most.