I just wanted to take the time to compliment your team on the tactical battle improvements. 

• Better Animation
• Better Sounds
• Smarter AI (e.g. trying to hit first)

All of these individual things combine to produce a much better feel.  You are much closer to Master of Magic's combat, albeit a more modern take.  I mean this as a compliment since I prefer MOM's combat to Age of Wonders' combat.  Like MOM, you can manually resolve battles quickly yet feel your choices have an impact.  This iteration is easily the best so far.  Keep up the good work.