One of many reasons Star Wars has embedded itself in our collective consciousness is through its iconic imagery, made all the more recognizable by its clean, minimalist shapes that create instantly recognizable silhouettes (like the shadow of Darth Vader that made The Phantom Menace's teaser poster so effective), so it's no surprise that minimalist designer and illustrator S. Preston has drawn inspiration from a galaxy far, far away for his new line of artwork. IGN can exclusively reveal Preston's three latest designs, featuring R2-D2, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader, building on his previous work which showcased BB-8 and the Millennium Falcon. Check out the officially licensed designs in the slideshow below. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-wars-minimalist-prints-by-s-preston&captions=true"] Preston is well known for creating minimalist takes on Major League Baseball's mascot designs and ballparks, and the artist shares a little of the inspiration in his work here: "Mascots are for kids. When I set about to create a collection of mascot art, I really wanted to capture the playfulness and joy that a young fan gets when they meet a mascot or character.  Partially inspired by Wilson, the neighbor in Home Improvement, my collection of minimalist mascots are meant to capture your attention by “peeking” over the art.  Over the years, thousands of sports fans have added my minimalist mascot artwork in their kids rooms and I’m crazy excited that LucasFilm decided to introduce my minimalist mascot artwork into a galaxy far, far away.” The prints are now available through Preston's website with a 10% discount for IGN readers using code IGN10. Get the details on the prints below: Open Edition Poster Prints - Officially licensed artwork of Lucasfilm, Ltd. - 11x17 on enhanced matte paper. - 12x12 on enhanced matte paper Both retail $30 Limited Edition Prints - Officially licensed artwork of Lucasfilm, Ltd. - Hand numbered and signed by the artist. - Certificate of Authenticity included. - Optional framing available. Medium - 14x20 print on archival fine-art paper. - Limited to 350 Large - 24x36 print on archival fine-art paper - Limited to 100 For more Star Wars goodies, check out Hasbro's new Mandalorian and Star Wars Rebels Black Series figures, see the Funko versions of Knights of the Old Republic villains Darth Revan and Darth Malak, and read the first chapter Star Wars: The High Republic - Light of the Jedi. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/20/hasbros-baby-yoda-animatronic-figure-in-action"]

After years and years of entries that tried but often didn’t quite capture the magic of the original trilogy, we’re actually getting a proper Crash Bandicoot 4. Crash 4: It’s About Time comes from developers Toys for Bob, who have a long history with platformers, most recently tackling the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. With our first look at Crash Bandicoot 4 gameplay and details, we saw some of the various time-hopping locales Crash and Coco will venture off to. Thanks to a bit of new, exclusive footage, which you can watch in the video breakdown below, we can also see how a level will flow, and many of the new moves, ideas, and returning gameplay tricks Crash 4 will bring later this year. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/29/crash-bandicoot-4-new-gameplay-shows-new-tricks-returning-moves"] This pirate-themed level takes Crash from the seaside shore through a seeming pirate cove to a cavernous end-of-level treasure area. And, thankfully, a lot of the staples of the Crash experience appear intact, which Toys for Bob has said is a key component of why they called this Crash 4. Wumpa, Aku Aku, Nitro, and TNT crates all return as collectibles and hazards around the world. There’s also a few new crates thrown into the mix, including one that spits fire in several directions, as well as a golden Wumpa fruit crate at the end of the level. Speaking of the end of the level, in true Crash original trilogy form, we’ve got a crate counter tallying your success in aiming to 100% the level by smashing every crate in sight. It’s a familiar touchstone, but an important one. And another seemingly returning aspect is time trials, as a stopwatch appears at the start of the level. Toys for Bob’s Lou Studdert in an interview with IGN told us the team is focused on really enriching Crash 4 with replayability in the same way that players could find reasons to keep going back to levels in the original Crash games. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-first-screenshots&captions=true"] Of course, this time, they’re working with modern console technology, and the impressive detail and design work proves it. There’s a great bit of character enemy behavior early on, as Crash spin-slaps a foe into one of these new enemies sporting whirlwinds around them, which causes that foe to arc on the wind and take out another enemy. Combo kills in Crash have always been a joy to discover, and this one hopefully hints at some intriguing combinations to come. The scope of the levels is also showcased in the middle, rope-sliding section, which offers a look at one of Crash’s main new techniques. But as he’s sliding and flipping around these ropes, you can see much more of the level unfurl below him. There’s a whole series of platforming challenges for Crash to face on the lower deck of this level, and it speaks to Toys for Bob’s efforts to offer expansive, larger levels than the original trilogy could. And last but not least, I just really wanted to point out this crate with a shark on it. Is there a shark in the crate, is it a crate that will eventually house a shark, or is it a crate filled with food, toys, or costumes for sharks? [caption id="attachment_2373606" align="alignnone" width="720"] What's in the shark box!?[/caption] Crash 4 will take the series to new worlds on October 2, when It’s About Time comes to PS4 and Xbox One. For more on Crash 4, check out the initial reveal trailer, and learn about other major gameplay details set for the sequel. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, Host of Podcast Beyond!, and lifelong Crash Bandicoot player. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

After years and years of entries that tried but often didn’t quite capture the magic of the original trilogy, we’re actually getting a proper Crash Bandicoot 4. Crash 4: It’s About Time comes from developers Toys for Bob, who have a long history with platformers, most recently tackling the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. With our first look at Crash Bandicoot 4 gameplay and details, we saw some of the various time-hopping locales Crash and Coco will venture off to. Thanks to a bit of new, exclusive footage, which you can watch in the video breakdown below, we can also see how a level will flow, and many of the new moves, ideas, and returning gameplay tricks Crash 4 will bring later this year. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/29/crash-bandicoot-4-new-gameplay-shows-new-tricks-returning-moves"] This pirate-themed level takes Crash from the seaside shore through a seeming pirate cove to a cavernous end-of-level treasure area. And, thankfully, a lot of the staples of the Crash experience appear intact, which Toys for Bob has said is a key component of why they called this Crash 4. Wumpa, Aku Aku, Nitro, and TNT crates all return as collectibles and hazards around the world. There’s also a few new crates thrown into the mix, including one that spits fire in several directions, as well as a golden Wumpa fruit crate at the end of the level. Speaking of the end of the level, in true Crash original trilogy form, we’ve got a crate counter tallying your success in aiming to 100% the level by smashing every crate in sight. It’s a familiar touchstone, but an important one. And another seemingly returning aspect is time trials, as a stopwatch appears at the start of the level. Toys for Bob’s Lou Studdert in an interview with IGN told us the team is focused on really enriching Crash 4 with replayability in the same way that players could find reasons to keep going back to levels in the original Crash games. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time-first-screenshots&captions=true"] Of course, this time, they’re working with modern console technology, and the impressive detail and design work proves it. There’s a great bit of character enemy behavior early on, as Crash spin-slaps a foe into one of these new enemies sporting whirlwinds around them, which causes that foe to arc on the wind and take out another enemy. Combo kills in Crash have always been a joy to discover, and this one hopefully hints at some intriguing combinations to come. The scope of the levels is also showcased in the middle, rope-sliding section, which offers a look at one of Crash’s main new techniques. But as he’s sliding and flipping around these ropes, you can see much more of the level unfurl below him. There’s a whole series of platforming challenges for Crash to face on the lower deck of this level, and it speaks to Toys for Bob’s efforts to offer expansive, larger levels than the original trilogy could. And last but not least, I just really wanted to point out this crate with a shark on it. Is there a shark in the crate, is it a crate that will eventually house a shark, or is it a crate filled with food, toys, or costumes for sharks? [caption id="attachment_2373606" align="alignnone" width="720"] What's in the shark box!?[/caption] Crash 4 will take the series to new worlds on October 2, when It’s About Time comes to PS4 and Xbox One. For more on Crash 4, check out the initial reveal trailer, and learn about other major gameplay details set for the sequel. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, Host of Podcast Beyond!, and lifelong Crash Bandicoot player. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

A new report claims the much-rumoured Xbox Series S (or Xbox Lockhart) will be revealed in August, after it was originally scheduled for an E3 announcement. According to Eurogamer's sources, Microsoft had originally pegged June as its announcement month for the alleged lower priced, lower powered version of the Xbox Series X, using an E3 showcase as a space to explain the console while showing it playing the same next-gen games as the more powerful console. The site now reports that Series S will get its own reveal - presumably in an Inside Xbox-like showcase - in August. That supports a previous Venturebeat report. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/10/xbox-lockhart-seems-real-but-is-it-out-this-year-unlocked-447"] Some reports have suggested that the Series S reveal was originally planned to remain in June - to fit in as part of the monthly updates branded by Microsoft as Xbox 20/20 - before being pushed back. However, Eurogamer says its sources indicate that this month's series of technical updates on elements like Smart Delivery was always the plan for June. The next confirmed major beat for Xbox 20/20 is a July showcase of first-party games. Xbox Series S increasingly looks to be a reality, with the original rumours now supported by the discovery of Windows OS code that references its Lockhart codename. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

By the end of the original The Last of Us, developer Naughty Dog asks players, as Joel, to commit morally challenging acts that, whether you agree they’re the right thing to do, you at least understand where the character is coming from. For The Last of Us Part 2, Naughty Dog aimed to achieve a similar sense of empathy through playing on a larger scale on the sequel. Massive spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2 follow. If you haven’t finished playing, turn back now! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/12/the-last-of-us-part-2-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Speaking to IGN ahead of The Last of Us Part 2’s release, director Neil Druckmann explained the philosophy the team took with the original game, and how it led to Part 2’s key goals. “You don't necessarily agree with what [Joel’s] doing, but we saw that the majority of people understood what he's doing and now they're role-playing as him,” Druckmann said. “'I might not do this but I understand why Joel would. So I'm going to see the world through his eyes.’ There's something unique about the empathy that is created in video games, it's wholly unique. “Can we build a whole experience around this concept,” Druckmann said, explaining what he and the team ventured out to do with Part 2. “Can we make you hate someone to such a degree that you want to hurt them in really horrible ways for what they've done to you? And then all of a sudden make you play as them and, the challenge was, can we get you to empathize?” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-review-screenshots&captions=true"] Of course, Part 2 includes the dramatic gameplay shift of its second half, putting players in control of Abby, first introduced early in the sequel as someone successfully hunting Joel to kill him. The second half, both in the present and in flashbacks, explores Abby’s life and motivations, which Druckmann explained allowed them to dive into the themes of revenge from multiple perspectives. “I don't know if you're going to like [Abby] necessarily. We hope you do, but can we really get you to understand them? And that's where the second half of the game [goes], you're playing as someone that goes on their own journey of redemption. You get to see revenge from two sides,” he said. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/how-long-is-the-last-of-us-part-2"] And moreso than just exploring revenge, which is what most of The Last of Us Part 2’s early marketing focused on, Druckmann explained how the dual perspectives allowed them to explore the flip side of that — forgiveness. “It's a game about empathy and forgiveness and getting past grief and seeing other people for the more complex human beings they are. That's what got us excited about making this,” Druckmann said. Stay tuned to IGN for more from Druckmann on the sequel, and if you haven't already be sure to check out IGN's The last of Us Part 2 review. For more on the Naughty Dog sequel, read our dive into The Last of Us Part 2's accessibility features, how much The Last of Us Part 2 sold in its debut weekend, and why the sequel probably won't get DLC. And if you're playing, be sure to check out IGN's comprehensive The Last of Us Part 2 guide for help with collectibles, Trophies, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, Host of Podcast Beyond!, and can't stop hearing Pearl Jam in his head now. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

Dan Aykroyd has suggested that Ghostbusters: Afterlife sets up a new generation that could potentially lead to more supernatural sequels in the future. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Aykroyd praised Afterlife director Jason Reitman, the son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, for his care in "passing the DNA of the first two movies directly to the new generation" by introducing a fresh team of paranormal investigators to continue the legacy. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/09/ghostbusters-afterlife-official-trailer"] "It's just a lot of fun to see these terrific young actors slinging the old Cadillac around and having the equipment in their hands," Aykroyd admitted. "The story that develops from that is scary and funny and heartfelt and also funny. And it feeds into the possibility of more follow-ups with this group and with others who want to join." While Ghostbusters: Afterlife largely focuses on handing the proton packs over to a new generation of 'busters, several members of the original cast are also said to be reprising their roles. In fact, Aykroyd said that the OGBs made sure that Harold Ramis, who died in 2014, was well represented in the new film. "To have that formation without that man standing right there on the line with us was a pretty serious adjustment," Aykroyd recalled of shooting without his former co-star. "He will be very well represented in the new film, I can tell you that. He's very honorably represented." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ghostbusters-afterlife-trailer-breakdown&captions=true"] Filmmaker Jason Reitman said that the forthcoming film will tie directly into the original movie from 1984. The new characters are a family made up of Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace. The mother inherits a farm from a father she didn't know. However, the family soon discovers that this farm, which is tucked away in a small Oklahoma town, is littered with world-saving, ghostbusting equipment. Ghostbusters: Afterlife was originally set to haunt theaters on July 10, 2020, but the threequel has been pushed back to March 5, 2021, in light of the industry-wide shutdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

The Super Nintendo World theme park's opening has been indefinitely delayed in Japan. Universal Studios Japan is planning to postpone the opening of its upcoming Nintendo-theme land in Osaka as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHK World-Japan. The theme park, which is heavily based on Nintendo's Mario franchise, is nearly complete. This includes not just construction of the land, but themed rides and restaurants as well. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-press-conference-images&captions=true"] The park was originally set to open in July but because of COVID-19, the park's opening has been delayed indefinitely, likely to give Universal Studios time to review the pandemic landscape and determine a safer opening date. Because construction on the land is near complete, it's unlikely this delay was made in order to give the company more time to work on the park itself. Because of the popularity of Nintendo, Mario, and the idea of a new land opening within Universal Studios Japan, the company is expecting an increased number of visitors to the park. This poses an even larger threat to the safety of guests in the midst of a pandemic. As such, Universal Studios Japan said it is unsure of when the new Nintendo-themed land will open. The rest of Universal Studios Japan opened on June 8 to guests from the local Kansai area. It also limited guest numbers by half of its standard capacity. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/06/08/super-nintendo-world-japan-teaser-trailer"] It may not be open, but there are still plenty of ways to get a glimpse of the park. Check out this new image that shows multiple areas of the land. After looking at that, read about how the Super Nintendo World theme park might expand beyond Mario in the future. The eastern US version of this Nintendo-themed land is coming to the new Epic Universe theme park planned for Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Here are some ways to help and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Ubisoft is reportedly raring up to tease a new FPS Battle Royale game called Hyper Scape. The information arrives thanks to a thread from esports insider, Slasher, who has learned from sources that Ubisoft is reportedly prepared to tease the game later on Monday. According to Slasher's sources, the game was code-named Prisma Dimensions but will run with the title Hyper Scape, and is being developed by Ubisoft Montreal.

Sources: today Ubisoft will tease a new game code-named "Prisma Dimensions", which is actually a new AAA multiplayer fast-paced FPS Battle Royale from Ubisoft Montreal (R6, AC) named Hyper Scape pic.twitter.com/2hza3P7rz1

— Rod "4475 SR & Immortal peak" Breslau (@Slasher) June 29, 2020

An image shown in the thread appears to offer our first glimpse of the game and its apparent "futuristic virtual world." The game will apparently be free to play for both PC and consoles, with crossplay functionality. The thread also notes that the game is set to enter a closed beta period next week, with a full launch planned on July 12. As detailed in the thread, Hyper Scape has reportedly been built in partnership with Twitch and one of the game's features allows Twitch chat to, "directly impact the game live with game-changing events." Ubisoft's digital summer showcase, Ubisoft Forward, is set to air next Sunday, July 12. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

The Umbrella Academy Season 2 is coming in just over a month, and a new poster is offering us a few hints at what's to come. The poster (below), shows the seven members of the Academy, each sporting a pair of sunglasses, with each reflection offering a clue at Season 2's contents. From the looks of it, we'll be getting more looks back at the Academy's childhoods, as well as protests, a declaration of war, and more. The show will return to Netflix on July 31, and we've already seen a set of character posters and first-look images. Here's everything we know about Season 2 ahead of its release. An adaptation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá's comic book series ofthe same name, The Umbrella Academy follows the lives of a dysfunctional family of superheroes. It proved a huge hit for Netflix, which reported that 45 million households had watched the show, and quickly ordered a second season. We awarded the first season an 8.5 review, calling it "hilariously twisted, subversively stylish, and surprisingly poignant". We named it as one of the best new TV series of 2019, and one of the best comic book series - it was named the IGN's People's Choice in both categories. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Edgar Wright has spoken about the possibility of revisiting Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World as an anime project, saying there are "plans" to expand the franchise, though nothing is official yet. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wright revealed that he had been involved in ongoing talks with Scott Pilgrim comic creator Bryan Lee O'Malley and the film's executive producer Jared LeBoff about revisiting the material in "an animation way," as opposed to following up with a direct sequel to the 2010 film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/17/director-styles-movie-lists-cinefix"] "There's some plans — and there's nothing official yet — but there are some plans to revisit the material in an animation way," Wright admitted in the retrospective piece. "We've been talking with Bryan and with Jared for a while [about]: What if we did something with the books in anime form? It's being discussed as we speak." In the same interview, O'Malley expressed his interest in returning to the world of Scott Pilgrim, saying that he would "like to revisit the characters [in comic form] and see what they're up to." In fact, he said that he had already sketched an alternate version of Scott with "a huge beard" early in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=top-25-best-anime-series-of-all-time&captions=true"] Whichever format this new project could potentially take, it is highly unlikely to be developed as a direct big-screen follow-up to the Michael Cera-starring film adaptation, as Cera himself admitted that "when a movie doesn't really explode at the box office, it's hard for anybody to get behind a sequel." Critics and fans of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series raved about the film adaptation after its release, but that adulation didn't translate to high box office returns. On an estimated budget of $60 million, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World took in a paltry $47.7 million worldwide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.