Before battle, players are given a choice of strategies to take, although they can manually control all units in the battlefield. All units are controlled by the AI unless the player directly intervenes, and battles between forces are carried out in real-time.
Prior to engaging in battle, players have the option to select their strategy, but they can also take direct control of all units on the battlefield.  The AI controls all units except when the player personally takes action, and battles are fought in real time.