I installed the game three times, each time running into the same problem that the others (and a few other that changed with each install), either in play or debug mode, always version 8.5, 1280X1024 resolution
Anyway, at the third install, I tried debug mode at a different resolution (1280X720), and I managed to finish the ground combat! Tried to this in other resolutions and it didn't work. I would like to ask if it happens to someone else, please try it.