One thing that could maybe be interesting is to limit player movement by actually allowing the player to control multiple characters over a series of turns. So instead of a single runner you've got a little squad and are trying to get them to do things in unison together. I expect some of the not-fun stuff you're encountering is mostly due to the game sort of being "easy" at a baseline? You could also look at games like Shadow Tactics/Desperados, which is sort of where I think you're idea may be leading you.