I used to play defensively either by myself or with a friend against the computer. Most people seemed to play a rush strategy. I didn't find much fun in that. The games were over too quick. Instead I'd simply find a difficulty where I'd last anywhere from 1-2 hours in a game, beating back the cpu while building up more defenses and progressing through the ages and technology, in the early stages of the game. Eventually I could tell I was overpowered and then moved to defeat the enemy. There was a challenge in the beginning half of the game, then just crushing! And none of that rush stuff!