Unable to create your city at this time. Please claim a city again later

I purchased the box copy of the game after work tonight.  Upon purchase I was excited to play as I have always been a sims fan as well as a spore fan.  Upon getting home and installing I went through all of the frustrations of trying to get on a server, finally when I was able to get on a North American server, the game graphics show now grass or trees or anything that looks like a landscape for that matter.  Upon trying to trouble shoot it online all I come across is all the issues digital downloaders are having.  The retailer I purchased the product from has an exchange only for same item option.  To be honest I am not happy with the product and therefore would like to explore options on getting my money back.  I have the reciept and the contents of the box still.  Please contact me imediately when you have an answer for me as I will not be attempting to play the game again and have a very difficult and stressful job, which is why I wanted to play a Sim City game to get away from the headaches not to cause more.  I am very upset although I am being professional in my words and holding back what I really think.