Haven't played since MH1. Weapon changes and the like

So I picked up MH3U on my DS a few days after the release. So far I've loved every bit of it. I also loved it even more when I found a few other people at the local lan center that also play on the DS. I haven't played since MH1 and I've only ever used the Great Sword. I've since switched to the Hammer just because it looks fun to KO monsters and help the group out that way. Have there been any changes to the weapons since MH1? I've been looking at a few different websites but it seems a bit overwhelming at the end of the day lol. Even just a few tip-alipas would be appreciated!!! My hunting party so far consists of the following. (Just in case you guys were wondering) Hammer, Lance, Bow.

Greatsword - Greatsword Charge. You can charge the greatsword up to 3 levels. If you release the 3rd charge you will greatly increase the damage. There is also a new combo, after a downslash or unsheathed attack, you can tap x again and it will do a slap on the monster, which does K.O damage if hit on the head, then tap x again to do a greatsword charge. this charge does more damage than normal gs charge. By using the kick button, you can go from a kick, into a slap , into a gs charge.

You can search for the percentages on the attack when using the GS Charge, but this is basically whats new with the Greatsword.

They have greatly balanced the weapons since the PS2 MH. Lance is still good, but you can not head lock a monster for 30 seconds+ any more. Obviously they have changed the control quide a bit, no more using joysticks to attack.

There is an exhaustion system that you will see with the hammer. You can KO a monster by attacking the head, but other attacks still drain the stamina of the monster. After they hit a threshold they will move slower and be drooling. While this is going on flashbombs etc. will last longer on the monster.

I could give you more information, but I'm not quite sure what you are looking for. If you have specific questions ask them and someone will answer it.

Added on to the previous replies.
Sword and Shield - You can now do a 2 hit attack with the shield for impact damage, holding down guard and pressing the item button lets you use the item with the sword out.

Dual Blades - Animation and combos completely overhauled, has a gauge which increases when you attack monsters in demonization mode and lets you use different combos out of demon mode. When in demon mode, the roll dodge changes to a quick dash.

Light bowguns now can rapidfire shots, which fires multiple shots without using any extra ammo.

Heavy bowguns can go into Seige Mode and become immobile, but can fire a large amount of shots with no recoil and no reload.