[Tyrant]

Temp subbing is not for a newb, but coming in as a permanent replacement is good way to get a glimpse of the later game without a big investment of time or emotional attachment.

As to settings, the VPs are pretty variable, but, as others have said, the basic game settings are usually standard or close to it.

Worthy Heroes is by far the most common mod. It's simple and easy, all it does is add and improve the national random heroes.