I generally play ai only Marathon setting largest possible map And yes it takes a while to finish a game on those settings, I assume you are playing single player not mutiplayer, I've been playing civ since test of time, The game has a restart button for a reason. Use it. I want my first city on the best possible terrain. and preferably on a hill or the ability to get on one in one turn. You also one at least one three point food resource immediately available and another not further than two hexes. If you are playing newb level you can get by with anything noble and up you'd best stake as much stuff in your favor early on as you can. I wouldn't even sonsider starting a game where your initial city.