[Edratman]

I have yet to figure out a perfect game situation for myself. I have at best about 2 hours a night to play so I have to figure out what game style works for me.

1. Small maps are too small and the game is over to soon.
2. Medium maps are better, but they still don't allow enough time and/or sources of researchers to get to level 8 or 9 spells.
3. 100+ province maps allow you to research the highest level spells but require too much time to do your turn. By the time I read all the messages, move my major armies, tour the provinces for troop builds than "n" my way through all the leaders I've spent 20 or more minutes on the turn.

I tried faster research speed on medium maps but the rythem of research wasn't right. I had access to far more magic and forging than I could support in gems. (This isn't the usual situation on normal speed where you have to budget gems or certain gems, it was more like "I can't afford anything".)

Right now I'm playing a large map because I've never cast "Wish" or "arcane Nexus". The turn length is killing me, but I figure I'm within 5 or 6 turns of completing the research for both spells. I'll be well short of victory conditions then, but I figure I'll go 2 or 3 more turns just out of curiosity.

(I'm going to wish for "victory" and see what happens.)

Anyway, I am open to suggestions for play style from others who have similar time constraints yet who desire the full experience of the game.