'Classic' settings?

[[to_xp]Gekko]

religion based interface is just a cosmetic option, it means that the game interface will change when you adopt a religion, depending on the religion you choose. and I recommend you turn off time victory, otherwise the game could end right when it's becoming the most fun

 

[SwordofStriker]

Niki's Knight made a great map that is supposed to be more "lore accurate." It's called Knights Erebus or something long those lines. There is a huge version, which I have not played since huge maps are too slow in the end game.

I recommend trying the large version. I have only played it a few times, but it's a good map and has every single unique feature, which is what attracted me to it in the first place. It also gives every civ leader a place on the map so you start with 33 civs. If your machine can handle it, it's worth a look.

I would also echo what others have said and it really doesn't matter what civ or leader you play. All the civs have their own unique style and strategy. I have been playing FFH II for quite a while now and still haven't played every one. They are all fun.

 

[Nor'easter]

I play a huge maps to get a variety of civs. I used to play Fractal maps, but I've now become a big fan of the Tectonics map.

Other setting: Raging Barbarians (but not Barbarian World), Wildlands, Blessings of Amathaon, Living World, and End of Winter.

 

[Gelvan]

I found a nice map type for FFH: Tectonics, Tiny, with "Lakes 30% Sea", dry, and 6 civilizations. It has hills, deserts, small woods (and not like in erebus), even ice at the polar. It can also be played Torondrial, so the Illians/Doviello get a use for their special abilities, and the good thing is, that it's like a pangaea but with the need to build fleets because some of the lakes are quite big.

 

[schlalex]

For getting a real flavourfull feeling check this map script.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=143946

Choose normal size,low sealevel and 10 civs. You will get a pangea-style map with lots of land. Therefore u will have enough land to settle, won't meet the other civs early and encounter a lot of animals and especially barbarians.
In my opinion the perfect map for FFH, because you really feel like starting in the dangerous wilderness and having to struggle for survival.
Have fun

 

[arcticnightwolf]

I'm playing Pangaea/Huge map/18 civ's
RagingBarbs, BarbWorld, WildLands, Blessing, LastDays, no GoodieHuts, without Duin, without Orthus