But Sometimes CTRL+N can BUG the game so sometimes if you see strange things happening then you might want to restart.

I wonder if this is another one that varies a lot according to the map size you like and your preferred win type.

My rut is Gigantic (soon to be Immense) maps and non-military wins. I basically prefer starting on the edges b/c it reduces the number of folks on my borders and gives me a little room (time) to build infrastructure before someone starts shooting at me.

So, for me, starting in the middle is a problem. But I have to agree with Achronous--many of my favorite games have been ones where I had to play hard just to survive being in the middle.

I agree with GW Swicord that starting in the middle can be something of a pain. I like having my own little corner of space, and being in the middle means everyone is in a hurry to get your goodies. Watching my borders expand from one small corner to cover the map is a big part of what I enjoy about the game.

Anyone else played the Arcean tournament? The weak AI made it too easy, but starting in the middle under siege begind asteroids... have to give it another go once release version finishes updating for what should be an impressive fight.

Best game of all time remains one when I started stuck in the corner between expansionist Thalans and obstinate Arceans. No way out but to fight, despite my drastic inferiority, and when the last Thalan planet (of about 200!) fell, damn it felt good.