First attempt (with version 114 I think). Early on using China... I had some problems with unhappiness as I conquered the two Civs on my continent, however Early industrial era I seemed to hit a plateau started building happines buildings and started rolling. Never looked back or even had to stop for a breath after that. Puppeted everything as I went. City States as well as huge populationed cities.
Conquered Babylon, Siam and Persia... one after the other. King lvl... seemed really easy. Perhaps we went too far in the other direction. Either that or this just really fits well with my play style.