Critique My Emperor Game, Need Help

[mutax2003]

I won a couple of emperor games on continenental setting before, but I am having real trouble with highland map emperor game. I started off research hunting and animal husbandry, then wheel (to exploit resources and get my UU). With the terrain, I can't build as many cottages as I would like, therefore, my research is stagnant. Also it doesn't help have such a low happiness limit (4 for capital, and 3 elsewhere), I don't have religion nor luxury, so I don't see any way to raise it and grow my city till monarchy. Even then, the upkeep will be a killer since my revenues from cottages are not enough. I was first to alphabete, but had to trade it since I was since 7-8 techs behind each AI. Now it is 225 AD, and I am last in city, land, and tech (5-6 techs behind leading AI). Could you give me tips on how I can play this map better, and maybe show your progress through the game? Attached are the initial start and 225 AD game saves.

 

[Wodan]

Run a SE.

Wodan

 

[Murky]

That's a terrible starting position. The game may not be winable.

 

[mike p]

Highland maps can be tricky if you get started in the polar side of the map. May be tough to beat from there.

Also, could you post pictures that are less wide. It makes it harder to read your post when I have to scroll left to right and you'd probably get more replies if you made it easier to read.

 

[Meatbuster]

Sorry, please restart/regenerate map.
If you win with that kind of start, though, I'll give you 20 thumbs up.

 

[mutax2003]

I am going to try, if I win, you will have to give me 20 thumbs up then.

 

[Gunner Jones]

I used the stone for the Pyramids -> Representation for happiness/specialist bonus. I'll chop out a couple of Libs for the Scientists (Wheet + Sheep surplus). Hopefully with some War Chariots I can snag a better city. Early days, but maybe not a hopeless start - IMO often the most fun.

 

[Gunner Jones]

Turning into a nice diversion on a rainy afternoon. A bit of progress:

Built the GL, and looks as if I'm winning the Liberalism race. Catapaults / Chariots have taken Mansa Musa down to a few cities. I own two holy cities and need to get a couple of shrines. The trick seems to be improve the best 2/3 squares, assign specialists and move on.

Hopefully I'll hit some greener pastures before maintenance starts to wear me down as I've never managed to keep afloat assigning Merchant specialists. I should add that this is the first time I've attempted an SE'ish ecomomy so may be missing some tricks.