[krpeters]

I recommend using the Game Tools for random map generation, that way if you get a map you don't like, you don't have to reselect your nation, opponents, pretender stats, etc.

Also, time to produce map is heavily dependent on map graphic size. If you cut the graphic down from the default 1600x1200 to 800x600, map generation goes *much* faster. About 30 seconds on my Athlon 2GHz as opposed to the usual 5 min or so.

Note this has absolutely zero game effect. The only UI effect it has is that when you zoom in to see tiny provinces, the landscape looks blurry.

I find that SP games with ocean in the corners (mainland approximates island as much as possible) works best, keeps some AI's from having a much better start (corner) than others.