In 2005 Blizzard had a pretty far along game of Diablo III, but decided to scrap the game, and go a new direction. The game was so far along in 2005 it was running, and very playable. New screenshots have popped up from this project that was canned and moved in a new direction.

As you can see from these screens, the look of Diablo III was a lot more like Diablo I and II.

While that look and style is a lot different from the few screens we have seen from the new Diablo III, the main aspects of the game are still the same. Also for those complaining that Diablo III will never release, and Blizzard is sitting on their lazy asses making this game. They have had to basically make two games, so don’t think they aren’t working hard.

So while it is not the best way to make a game, starting and just about have a complete game. Then scrap and start over and go a different direction with the style of the game. People will be lining up like crazy to finally get their hands on Diablo III.

Diablo III Looked Heavenly in 2005 [The Escapist]