Age of Empires (Unofficial) Strategy Guide:

Age of Empires (AoE) is a computer strategy game of conquest involving ancient civilizations. In this document I'll pass on techniques you can use to win every Random Map, Single Player game against the computer using AoE version 1.3. First, you'll need to know the basics of how to select units (like Villagers), assign them tasks, build buildings and do research. To learn the basics, you can play the Ascent of Egypt Learning Campaigns that come with the game.

Before the Game Starts:

After selecting the Random Map, Single Player game, here are the settings to start with:
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty Level: Hard or lower
Victory Condition: Standard or Conquest
Path Finding: High
Starting Age: Default or Stone Age

Also check the Map Type before the game starts. If the Type is Small or Large Islands or Coastal, you'll need a strategy for crossing a body of water in Transport Boats, as explained below.

Now Start the Game:
1. The key to winning is to be the most efficient at gathering resources and putting them to use! That means you'll have to be quick about putting your villagers to work. First have your 3 Villagers build a house, because 3 finish in 1/3 the time, and click the Town Center and generate a new Villager.

2. When the house is done, quickly put the 3 Villagers to work chopping down the tree closest to the Town Center.