What are you playing? c'mon, tell me punk!

[daemoth]

I guess I should have chosen a harder difficulty in Valkyrie Profile? Would it have given me a better battle system where I can actually maneuver the characters?

Nah, the combat system doesnt change depending on the difficulty. Its just about having a high combo and hitting the enemy while he is in the air to charge your special attack faster and get exp crystal.
And since your party and number of attacks change at almost each mission, you always need to adapt your combo.
Find who can launch the enemy into the air, and who can follow up attack quickly to keep him into the air, and then fine-tune your timing.
Its weird to get into, but its really fun when you get a good party and do perfect combo.
Personnaly, i just cant get enough of...: " It shall be engraved upon your soul! Divine Assault! NIBELUNG VALESTI!"

Spoiler