General Info
I got the game on the 10^th (Target got it a day late!). And I am now on the second disc. The game has 4 discs, and is very different from all other Final Fantasy games because you don't have summons, you have creatures called Gaurdian Forces (GFs) that you can junction to your character, and they will then be able to use the abilities. The GFs are like pets, in that they grow, and they can learn abilities, and they have their own HP. One bad point to GFs is that you can't use items in battle without them!

Weapons Info
You don't buy or find new weapons in FFVIII, instead you can go to the junk shop and modify your weapon if you have the right parts, the most common way you get these is to Steal them from enemies with Diablos' ability Mug.
Gunblade - This is Squall and Seifer's weapon of choice, and it is basically a gun trigger with a sword blade on the end. You are probable thinking how a trigger would have any use as the hilt of a sword, if you can press the trigger (R1) at a certain point in your attack, you will cause more damage. (You can also use the trigger during his limit break)
Gloves - A basic weapon that doesn't need much explaining, Zell uses these.
Whip - Quistis uses the whip, and it is amazingly powerful, once you get the proper modifications. Pinwheel - Rinoa's long range weapon, it doesn't matter that this is long range though, because no matter what weapon you have, you will be able to attack all enemies.