I need this for the FAQ but I've been wondering about this for awhile and I don't feel like stealing info from Gamefaqs.

So my question is, do the different types of weapons have various effects like in FFT/XII or do they just have minor stuff like Axes have high attack power, spears allow you to attack from the back row.

I mostly wonder cause there are several weapon types I never bothered using cause I couldn't really see the point in using them like Staffs, rods, and knives.