I have not tried 9th Age. Me and my friend was considering trying it out but I just cannot get myself to start printing out all those rules!
It is much less rule heavy but retain the tactical dimension. Maneuver is really important and getting the charge too.
But we figured we spent much less time looking up the rules and more time playing than during a game of Warhammer.
Due to fixed unit sizes you do not have to remove minis. When a units nerve breaks they will flee and there is nothing stopping them.
But it can take some time.
Thinking ahead is rewarded and moving poorly can cost you the game. I was too cautious which lead to my heavy cavalry charging one turn later than they could have. It meant they could not engage in time where they would have been most needed, despite turning the flank.
The different missions really changes how you must think. My friend focused on controlling the centre while I more or less went in according to the normal WHFB point match. And I lost because of it.
The rules are easy to carry with you. The expansion Uncharted empires gives more armies, two of which are slanted to give former Bretonnian and Empire players a new home.
I am so positive I consider buying the hardback rulebook to get to know their fluff better.
The funny thing is that when matched up the elves and the dwarves came to life really well despite the "simpler" ruleset. The elves are fast and really skilled, usually getting the charge and also have more accurate shooting.
The dwarves are slow yet well armoured and can weather the charge and countercharge in their own turn.
Alessio have done a great job!