Keep in mind, I haven't played this game since v1.2 of War of Magic, so this is pretty much the perspective of somebody new to the game, so it is very promising in my mind that I like it so much. It means that other newcomers will likely have a positive first experience.
1 - The music is wonderful. I love the opening theme.
2 - I always loves the cel-shaded graphics style, and it looks even better now.
3 - I like the city mechanisms in place. I like that buildings are important. I like that the queue is important.
4 - Tactical combat seems ok.
5 - Love the RPG elements. Getting gear, equipping champs, very cool.
6 - Are Butchermen OP? Everytime they kill something they get another soldier. I have a butcherman in my group and he's uhhh... very powerful especially for so early in the game. I have him up to 6-7 men now, it is pretty crazy.. 96 HP. Nothing early in the game can kill him and he just keeps getting stronger.
So far, this is the game I was *hoping* War of Magic was going to be, so Stardock, thank you so much making this! I can tell already this is going to be a wonderful game.
EDIT:
7 - So far I like the operational tempo of the game. There's few dead turns which is a real drag in some 4X style games. This is probably because of the RPG elements in the game.