[Suicide Junkie]

Definitely grab the TDM modpack for more competitive AIs.

Be sure to set them to Hard difficulty. The easier settings in that Category make the AIs not use all of their ministers.

You can also set the AI bonus to low or medium to give the computer players a 2x or 3x bonus to production in all resources.

If you like playing tactical combat with small, personalized fleets, give Pirates & Nomads a try. If you are playing as a Pirate or a Nomadic race, you will forego colonies to live by your wits and the unwilling generosity of others in the cold depths of space!