Itemization in this Game is One-Dimensional

[Versiroth]

Vanity should solve most of the issues. It allows you to wear and use whatever you want to. As others have said, it's not like you ever have much choice anyway. You're always forced to choose whatever is deemed to be the "best" regardless.

[ApolloGenX]

Vanity should solve most of the issues. It allows you to wear and use whatever you want to. As others have said, it's not like you ever have much choice anyway. You're always forced to choose whatever is deemed to be the "best" regardless.

The "best" is clear in a numerical progression system. It is not as clear in a system that uses varied effects in addition to stats.

For example - In EQ (Luclin), I traded a decent stat neck for a neck with negative hps, but it had some stats and flowing thought (mp regen)... I made a choice to give up some stats to increase my longevity as a healer. I couldn't compare stats 1:1.. it was a style issue. I might give up stats on something to get mana preservation... or enhanced healing... or improved range.

When you only have numerical values, things are black and white. When you have more, things become gray and interesting.

The problem is that for a system like that to work, developers have to create many varied items.... and it's easier to just go the lazy route and use the numerical progression, make "sets" and call it a day.

Heck even in Planes of Power, there were the ornamental "sets" and the elemental "sets" (First and Second more powerful set)... but those weren't the "best"... they were just good sets for raiding tiers... the tiers dropped lots of items...different items in the same tier that were different with different effects. You had choices.

(I kept my epic through Velious and Luclin to PoP... and My prayer shawl through Luclin to PoP....)