Also I feel that most of the civilization games after Civ II moved too fast. Like when it was the year 2000AD I was still stuck flying bi planes or had ironclasts. Does anyone know how to have a fast science level so that research is done quicker?
Play them on "epic" speed. They go slower.
My problem is, I lose interest after about 1700 ad.
I actually greatly prefer the beginning, the ancient and medieval times.
I get start getting bored after gunpowder is invented; when modern technology like planes and railroads and artillery and stuff starts coming coming into play, I get really bored and just start a new game.
I always play on the easiest level (settler), I nearly always play as "Louis of France" (occasionally playing as Elizabeth of England), but I play all different types of games- highlands, fractal, pangaea, terra, ice age, whatever. That's my variety.
I like games where I can make ships and sail to new continents. Some games (like highlands, or oasis) have no oceans. But I still play those once in awhile. It's fun to see just how far I can expand, with so much land mass.
To me, the fun of the game is expansion, and building the society up culturally and stuff.
The warfare aspect is the least interesting part. I like defending my society by fighting off random barbarians who attack me, and if I come to a barbarian city, I'll destroy it.
But I never declare war on other legitimate civilizations, and they don't declare war on me either, not in settler mode.
I never get bored with playing this way; it's very zen.
When I reach the 1800s (at the latest) I end the game and start a new one.
Only once have I actually finished the game out, and I didn't enjoy the later parts at all.
For my purposes (relaxation, mainly), Civ 4 is ideal.
But I do realize the way I play is not how most people play the game.