Which settings would generally result in the most "realistic" game?

[polypheus]

Which settings would generally result in the most "realistic" game? By that I specifically mean in terms of the overall flow of the game's narrative and historical development. Or another way of putting it is this: Which settings would make the historical development of a maximum size map with maximum Civs feel the most "real"?

For instance, some people feel that tech brokering is too gamey and unrealistic and turn it off and also too greatly accelerates tech. This is all subjective of course but the reason we are attracted to this mod is the full "historical immersion" factor. That being the case, are these specific settings that people feel can maximize this historical immersion factor even more?

 

[Afforess]

Default settings were made to be the "most" realistic and fun, IMHO. You can stray from them after you get comfortable with the features.

 

[generalstaff]

It depends on how you define what is "realistic" and how much extra content you play with. For example, Limited Religions (something that prevents one Civilization from founding hogging religions) is not realistic with only the base civilizations, since Buddhism and Hinduism would have been both founded by India. However, with extra civilizations, Hinduism would be founded by Harappa and Buddhism founded by India.

As Afforess said, "You can stray from them after you get comfortable with the features." Play a few games, try out different options and strategies, and you will answer your own question (and have fun doing so).