I noticed that this is a stand-alone expansion, but I hear that the original JA2 has a great story with a cool twist. Should I grab this and play it or wait to see if JA2 becomes available to purchase?
I really want to play some JA 2!

Good to hear, because I played the original and it was really hard! Very fun game, though, I'll download this sequel for sure!

another thing, people that never played JA before please READ THE MANUAL!
when I first played JA2 I managed to win some battles without knowing that you have to AIM before shooting u_U, very tedious and painful!

I wouldn't say this game is easier. Although there's no micromanagement, the game is very, very difficult. Much more than JA2. You have all the odds agains't you, specially at the beggining (you're outnumbered, underequipped and the AI is far superior, although you can blame it's starting advantage as cheating).
If you want to start easier (JA games are not easy ;)), wait for JA2. If you don't mind to be frustated in the beggining, just jump in. I, personally, didn't appreciate the micromanagement in JA2 (although it's part of what made it really a strategy game, beside a tactical one).

I don't think, that there was that much micro management. Free a town, train militia, take the stuff from the enemy and go on. Maybe it is a bit much on the first time, but then it is also very easy.
I personaly like JA2 more than UB, but UB is also not that bad. It is only bugging me, that they changed the voice actors.

Yeah too bad ;/
The again it's worth to play them both :]
Specially with the same personal character from the 2 part after import to 2.5 :]

ha, JA2:UB easier?! It's hard like hell! I was so frustrated I've never got trough first few areas! I loved micromanagement in JA2 :D

I suggest you try the original first. It is in fact easier since the fights will get harder more gradually. You'll also learn the different MERCS in a broader sense since you are stuck with the MERCS you choose in UB from the start! UB is great if you want a set of missions instead of one single campaign with a strategic map.

Hello.
Is JA2 becoming available at GOG?
I can´t wait..My old JA2 gold version isn´t vista compatible.
...go microsoft go

I recommend playing JA 2 first ... if it is too hard play it on novice. I've played it before so I found Novice somewhat easy.
The biggest advantage of playing JA 2 before UB, is that when you do wish to pick up UB you can just port your characters. Both your own individual MERC as well as all the Mercs from AIM and MERC with better stats.
Since you get stuck with your initial mercs for the first part of the game, that can be an advantage.
It is a stand alone and if you only have UB then you can play it without JA 2. If you have both I, once more, advise you to play JA 2 first.
Hope this helps

That's macro management. Micro management would be managing the actions of your single mercenaries.