I'm starting the game up tonight ... any recommendations?
Usually easiest to go with the standard party you will most def at least need 1 knight, wizard and cleric.
Knight will be for the defensive skills that open up later, wizard and cleric for their anti spirit / anti undead weapon enchantments which you need to deal damage to spirit and undead types with regular weapons. Without that the damage resisted is quite high.
Later you will be able to find weapons with the anti enchantment already on them.
Beware though the wiz and cle enchantments only last for the current battle and cost mp to cast.
Also take your time and expect to go in and out of the dungeon a lot to identify items found at ambush points.
Be sure to check enemy levels before fighting and never be afraid to use the 100% escape divinity if things do not look in your favor. Also dont push too far if you gathered a ton of loot as instakills or bad luck in battle can happen causing the desire to save scum which will cause a good loss of time and items gained so better be safe go back to town and save.
Rushing through this game is not advised as 1 hit kill capable enemies the larger the lv gap the higher the chance of it proccing on you is.
Be sure to create your extra backup party members in advance too as they will gain small amounts of exp and money while you explore.