I'm currently replaying the first game, I forgot how great the battle mechanics are, love the strategy element! I also forgot how slow and plodding the story bits are, it feels like I spend more time watching story panels than doing battles.
I think the game would have been much better if they included a random map generator for skirmish mode. Unlimited potential for epic battles.
Chapter 7 is a tough bitch though, you really need to know what is going to happen in order to plan to beat it. Once Valkyrur appears your troops get shredded if you don't hide them behind big tank.
Really love it though so its tragic to think the IP has been wasted away to browser social gaming crap