It seems a bit easy

[Strategia_In_Ultima]

There is an option in the game settings at the game setup called "Team mode: All computer players versus all human players". If you play with the maximum amount of opponents, with AI bonuses set to the highest possible level, and choose a good mix of opponents - i.e. some that have good space combat bonuses, some that are better in research, so that the researchers can pass on high-level tech to the warriors - and use TDM, I think the game'll be a lot more interesting.

To be honest though, I've never used the Team mode.

[Atrocities]

For a more challenging game give the AI HIGH bonus and DIFFICULTY. Then handy cap yourself by taking no racial traits and setting all of your characteristics to 50%.

Enjoy.

[luke_slovakian]

Ja what AT said is fun rlly fun but what makes it rlly hard is with the research that kills u so much and than the ai having all this stuff and you havin none....btw try 50% and make change a bit of ai tech, like what they research and that should make it a BIG challenge:-d....or just like i tried 2 humans (newbsm like ai but bit better) and rest ai v you that is fun too.....crazy fun and makes u think a lot to win. Well hope all this things help u out

[Kamog]

I am still not very good. I always get killed by the Tessellate Imperium.

[Blueentity]

I agree that TDM is a nice AI to practice your strategic skills on before branching out to human players. Also, the team mode will prevent you from getting ridiculous concessions from the AI. Knocking down your racial traits is another handicap that will make you really appreciate those bonuses.

You may want to try the old-fashioned "sit on your hands" for X turns to give the AI a head start. Even the most expansionary AI does not colonize as fast as a human player churning out a colony ship every turn.