More or less, kinda like the "Final Boss Party" topics, but with the slight twist of Suikoden V's new formation system. The game provides you with a plentiful supply of formations, many of which you probably wind up not even using much. So I'm just curious to see if anyone has bothered to experiment much with the formations, and if you have, what kinds of parties did you find work well for them?

I just spent last night driving myself insane setting up a particular kind of group (though my goal of making the game more difficult is the cause of the insanity), though I think I'm actually pretty content with it, and think it's worth sharing... But first, you. =P

(This lower part will be edited/removed later.)
I've also got a question about ranges in the game, by the way. I've read two versions of the grid's intended setup:
1.) First Row = Short, Second Row = Medium, Third & Fourth Rows = Long
This is how the BradyGames strategy guide seems to show (though not explain very thoroughly) it. S-range characters work best in the first row, and lose accuracy the further back they are. M-range characters work best in the second row, and lose accuracy if too close (first row) or too far (third/fourth rows). L-range characters can attach from anywhere without losing accuracy, so are best suited for the third and fourth rows.

2.) First & Second Rows = Short, Second & Third Rows = Medium, Third & Fourth Rows = Long

QUOTE (Suikosource)

Short range characters have normal accuracy in the 1st and 2nd rows.
Medium range characters have normal accuracy in the 2nd and 3rd rows.
Long range characters are not affected by position.

Has anybody here been able to particularly confirm one way or the other?

i stuck with the Crescent formation [+5 Phys-Def/Mag-Res] for much of the game, and used True Men [+20 Att, 0 Eva, -20 Def] when against a group and gang-banged with the Formation skill <hey, it's how i got through Lelcar Invasion>... occasionally i used the Sorcery formation, because Zerase is a beast.

i have no idea about the ranges of the various fighters but i always set up Short upfront, medium range second, long/mage in back.

Tiger Formation is what I used alot and I think the last one you get, it gives you +10 to all stats or so?

Illusion. Let's not forget the Odin-like Spark ability.

Not to be picky, but what I meant was more like: What kinds of characters did you use in those formations, and where? Of course, feel free to just point out formations you use often as well, but I'm asking more about a specific one or two, and which characters you found worked well in that/those formation(s).

Using mine as an example:
Arrow Stance (Front Character: +20 PDF/MDF, +10 EVA -- Others: +10 L-Range Attack, +10 Accuracy/Technique)
Skill: Provocation - Target status on front character. Can be used repeatedly as long as front character is alive.
--- o --- (First/Second Row)
---------
o------o (Third Row)
--o--o-- (Third/Fourth Row)
--- o --- (Fourth Row)

First/Second Row: Hazuki
Third Row: Freyjadour, Lyon
Third/Fourth Row: Isato, Urda
Fourth Row: Sharmista

Of course, these characters are mostly weaker characters, simply because of my experiments in making the game more challenging, so they may not be the best choices. However, using this setup, I've made use of all of the elemental spell runes (Rage, Cyclone, Mother Earth, Thunder, Flowing, Condemnation, Resurrection), and then some.
Also, Isato and Urda both have Great Hawk Runes (0.5x damage to all), as well as the Barrage skill (multiple arrow attack), and their Arrow Storm unite attack (0.7x damage to all), which makes them pretty flexible, well-balanced long-range characters, who can deal with swarms quite well. Add on Sharmista, a decent (emphasis on "decent") mage, who also comes with the Long Throw skill (chance of row attack) and slightly better physical stats than Sialeeds (at the expense of some magic stats), completing the long-range trio.
Frey and Lyon are just about self-explanatory. Being medium-range characters, their accuracy shouldn't be bad in the third row (as if it really matters, with their stats), and they can unite both physically against a single target and unite spells for group damage.
Hazuki's not a bad character at all, though with this formation, there are definitely better choices. (Raven's a great one, with his Raven Rune giving 100% EVA in most indoor situations. Otherwise, just a heavily-armored short-range character.)

I think most of the time I used Tiger Formation:

---o--- First
-o---o- Second
---o--- Third
-o---o- Fourth

First: Richard
Second: Rahal, Freyjadour
Third: Lyon
Fourth: Viki, Zerase

Reason for the choice of characters? I simply like these. Well, Lyon and Frey are a must anyway, though I like them as well. Richard was basically the physical attack magnet and parried/countered everything. I love him.

I haven't gotten sop far yet, so they are over lv the enemies.
I stick to Sorcery formation and once in a while use True men when I want to beat many grunt-fights fast!
I particulary like sorcery because the members aren't thight together and don't fall for group attacks (verticular/horizontal/group magic etc.)

--o--
o---o
o---o
--o--
First Row: Richard
Second Row : Main & (any warrior or similar)
Third Row: Jeane & (killey or Eresh)
Fourth Row: Zerase

I make sure to have at least one healer!