Much of the control is managed through the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, in an interface system similar to that of Caesar III.

Many buttons exist for different types of construction like housing and roads, viewing messages, undoing mistakes, cycling through trouble spots, a map of Ancient Egypt and the surrounding regions, a group of advisors (called Overseers) who provide information on the city's development and any problems encountered, and in-game overlays that detail issues and the fulfillment of housing's demands.

Although the puzzle-like aspect of Pharaoh keeps the simulation far from realistic, the game stays true to the chronological order and timing of major events in the history of Egypt, including monument construction, wars and national disasters, the births and deaths of notable leaders, and the founding and fall of ancient cities.

In campaign mode, players focus on establishing cities during different periods of Ancient Egypt, initially working on nomad settlements, before being entrusted with building up trade centres, grand cities and monuments for various Ancient Egyptian leaders.

In later periods, players get a choice between two missions, usually peaceful and military alternatives, but only one of the two needs to be completed to move on in the campaign.

Housing will automatically be improved, including in appearance, when demands for goods, services and desirable surroundings are fulfilled.

[7] While Population, Prosperity and Culture are retained in the game, Favor is renamed as "Kingdom" and maintains the same function in that the score is based upon the ruling Pharaoh's view on a player's performance (this later becomes the wider countries' view once the player becomes Pharaoh themselves).

[9] The game has five gods to appease, who each focus on a different aspect of the city – Ra (the kingdom), Bast (the home), Osiris (agriculture), Ptah (industry) and Seth (warfare).

[11] Daniel Erickson of NextGen said of the game, "Pyramid building and floodplain management come together for a brilliant city builder.

"[20] Barry Brenesal of GamePro said, "While Pharaoh offers nothing new under the sun (unless you consider the exotically colored soundtrack, which is pleasant for a day or so, and then ages like something left out too long under the hot Egyptian sun), it does what Caesar III did with equal panache, providing a good strategic challenge in a real-time game oriented more towards resource development than frenzy.

[27] In April 2000, the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD) presented the game with a "Gold" award,[28] indicating sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

According to MeriStation, its combined global sales with Caesar III surpassed 1 million units by July 2000.

Both the original game and expansion pack are commonly referred to, and may be purchased as one, under the title Pharaoh and Cleopatra.

[34] Brenesal of GamePro said that the game was "just plain fun to watch, with its crowded streets thronged with servants, magistrates, and immigrants.

Early development planned new code for modern computer systems and an updated user interface, and to include the campaign modes from both Pharaoh and the Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile expansion.