Axe damage depends on Vitality, good vitality means good chance for higher damage. I still use Axe because my Basch/Balthier always deal good damage and Scorpion Tail is in top 5 best attack power. Handbombs works the same as Axe but Handbombs act as long-ranged version of Axe.

Most Technicks are useless, the only one I use is Steal, Libra, Poach, Charge and Telekinesis.

FFX have no wind or earth magic. Some of the previous only have Fire, Ice and Lightning. This game is already generous by inputting Water and Wind magic and this game rarely have a missable Esper/Item/Rare Game/Mark etc.

Magic is very useful when you're fighting some strong boss/optional boss/mark because some of them make themselves immune to physical attack. VERY VERY USEFUL especially when Shock killed Zodiark and Behemoth King for me.