My first introduction to RPG gaming was Wasteland on my old Commodore 64. Many of the items that are key to the story line (i.e. servo motors) only appear in a limited number during the game. However, I've always wondered if perhaps all items could be limited to a specific number per game. Here's why I ask...
I ran into a situation once when my game stagnated and I couldn't continue with the story line (I probably did something bad with one of the few servo motors in the game). As a result I was wandering around for an extended period of time revisiting every place I could to try and move the story forward. I began to notice that ammunition for all my weapons was running out at many of the shops, and enemies seemed to be dropping it less frequently, as if there was a limited supply of it.
Does anyone know if all items could be limited to an absolute number per game? Have you experienced the same thing, or perhaps managed to get a peek at the source code or have some other inside information about the availability of items in the game?