A balance is needed if a game is to stay interesting and fair.
Random loot allows a person that one in a million chance at finding something truly amazing that they'll not have to replace for many levels, but also a whole lot of chances to find something they'll never use because it's either junk or not used by their class. The junk items can be sold without a second thought, and who doesn't like hoarding money to stock up on whatever catches their fancy?
Established loot tables, however, ensure that you WILL get something at least somewhat useful so you're not stuck lugging around the same pea shooter through half of the game unless you really want to. People will still complain that the set stuff is junk, but it's better than not getting anything at all.
And just as I'm sure people have said before: don't make it so the player only has a less than 0.5% chance of getting something that's any good for them. That's no better than holding the game hostage from all but the most diehard gamers who will waste days of their time just to see every imaginary item that one mob may have.
Random loot allows a person that one in a million chance at finding something truly amazing that they'll not have to replace for many levels, but also a whole lot of chances to find something they'll never use because it's either junk or not used by their class. The junk items can be sold without a second thought, and who doesn't like hoarding money to stock up on whatever catches their fancy?
Established loot tables, however, ensure that you WILL get something at least somewhat useful so you're not stuck lugging around the same pea shooter through half of the game unless you really want to. People will still complain that the set stuff is junk, but it's better than not getting anything at all.
And just as I'm sure people have said before: don't make it so the player only has a less than 0.5% chance of getting something that's any good for them. That's no better than holding the game hostage from all but the most diehard gamers who will waste days of their time just to see every imaginary item that one mob may have.
