WoW: Eight set pieces and why they were phased out

You’ve got to hand it to a successful gaming giant like Blizzard. They incorporate unique and dynamic game mechanics that keep players wanting more. The set equipment pieces weren’t exactly something new (originally taken from Diablo 2, also by Blizzard), but it definitely keeps the gamers obsessed with questing and collecting to complete their ideal sets for their characters.

Lately, old players in the forums have been calling out the return of the eight piece sets, which were godly in comparison to the current sets floating around World of Warcraft. However, such a comeback seems unlikely to happen as Blizzard poster Bornakk stated:

The problem with a big eight piece armor set is that it may cause someone to ignore an item that would be great for them as they are focused on the specific items that will get their set bonus. With the 5 piece sets, players are able to mix and match pieces to fit their style of play better or even help out for the specific encounter they are at. At this time we are happy with the itemization that the 5 piece armor sets offer and plan to continue implementing them.

So it’s flexibility rather than power on the part of the Blizzard team. On many aspects, this opens up the possibility for players not to get “stuck” with merely just one kind of set equipment and thrust into the role of a niche character. So while nobody may be seeing Judgment make a comeback any time soon, everyone will have to be content with the current five-some piece sets in the meantime.

You’ve got to hand it to a successful gaming giant like Blizzard. They incorporate unique and dynamic game mechanics that keep players wanting more. The set equipment pieces weren’t exactly something new (originally taken from Diablo 2, also by Blizzard), but it definitely keeps the gamers obsessed with questing and collecting to complete their ideal sets for their characters.

Lately, old players in the forums have been calling out the return of the eight piece sets, which were godly in comparison to the current sets floating around World of Warcraft. However, such a comeback seems unlikely to happen as Blizzard poster Bornakk stated:

The problem with a big eight piece armor set is that it may cause someone to ignore an item that would be great for them as they are focused on the specific items that will get their set bonus. With the 5 piece sets, players are able to mix and match pieces to fit their style of play better or even help out for the specific encounter they are at. At this time we are happy with the itemization that the 5 piece armor sets offer and plan to continue implementing them.

So it’s flexibility rather than power on the part of the Blizzard team. On many aspects, this opens up the possibility for players not to get “stuck” with merely just one kind of set equipment and thrust into the role of a niche character. So while nobody may be seeing Judgment make a comeback any time soon, everyone will have to be content with the current five-some piece sets in the meantime.