I play lots of scenarios. I make many, but sometimes the maps are off-balence due to time allotment, and what-not.
Did you know you can play as the barbarians?
Only you can't take over the world as them. The last normal computer standing (or person) will win. Also, barbarians cannot discover techs, so don't set the science rate to anything. You can't make money, so set your luxuries to max. Barbarians can build various types of military units, such as what ever nil and none provide in the science tree. They have an advantage in the beginning, as if you click "auto" after selecting the barracks, they will build LEGIONS. This will upgrade as other people in the world get smarter. Eventually you will be able to build knights, then musketeers, then riflemen.
My tip? Build on an island (if you cheat yourself a settler) or if you conquer a city and plan to keep it, keep an island city. This way you can transport units when you can't build anymore. (another barbarian problem)
The barbarians are weaker than any person, at any difficulty. Humans have a 300% bonus at chieftan against them, and the computer always seems to have an awesome defense against them in cities at no matter what difficulty.
If anyone has anymore questions about barbarians, email me and I'm sure I can answer them
