Basically, I want to know what kind of map settings would be best to have the most fun. Such as what kind of map, how much water, temp, age, climate and civ. I am very new to the game (well, at least the concepts) so I am willing to try anything. By the way I have just the original.
As others have pointed out, we each have different ideas of what is "fun".
I'll give you my thoughts for what I think is "easiest" for when you don't know yet what will be fun and are new to the game.
1. Water at 60%. It usually puts more space between you and your opponents, giving you a bit more time to establish your towns before you may be attacked.
2. Temp at normal. Cold has too much tundra and warm has too much jungle, so a normal temp prevents too many extremes.
3. Climate at wet. You're more likely to have rivers, which help generate commerce and growth.
4. Age at 5billion years. You aren't likely to get huge mountain ranges or large deserts, but will get a little bit of everything...no insurmountable barriers and a chance to try more types of terrain.
5. Size at standard or small. The larger the map, the longer the game takes to play, and you can't see all the other civs' leaders at the same time on the F4 screen. Depending on how powerful your computer is, larger maps may take longer waits between turns...and that's NOT fun.
6. Land form Continents. Pangeas can have too many opponents attacking you at the same time, and it's difficult to handle until you learn how. Archipeligos can be difficult until you know how to make early contact with your neighbors for trading. Continents is an in-between compromise.
7. Civ - That's very much up to individual preference, but the Industrious trait seem to be the most powerful (if you don't have the Conquests expansion). When I played vanilla, I liked Egypt. The Iroquois are fun with their UU, the Mounted Warrior.
Once you have some of the basic ideas down, then experiment with different civs and map settings. Good luck!!!
