The Avengers have certainly had their hands full lately, facing everything from a vampire civil war to a battle with a turbo-charged version of Moon Knight. The latest chapter of Jason Aaron's The Avengers series begins tying these various threads together in a major way, showing us that one Marvel villain has been at the root of countless acts of evil across the centuries. Read on to learn how The Avengers #38 rewrites Marvel history, but beware of full spoilers ahead! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-avengers-38-preview-see-marvels-history-rewritten&captions=true"] Issue #38 unfolds in the aftermath of "The Age of Khonshu," where the Avengers learned Moon Knight's godly benefactor had a vision of a future ruled by the demon lord Mephisto. In order to nip that problem in the bud, Khonshu empowered Moon Knight with enough strength to beat up even the Mighty Thor. Though Mephisto was seemingly killed and Moon Knight ultimately sided with the Avengers rather than allow Khonshu to rule the world, this supernatural hero isn't convinced that dark future has been averted. Even before "The Age of Khonshu," we learned even the late Howard Stark was a servant of Mephisto, and he seems to be still alive and doing his master's bidding. At this point, it's becoming clear Mephisto is the overarching threat tying together the series' many ongoing plot threads. Now we have a better understanding of how exactly Mephisto fits into the bigger picture. The Avengers #38 reveals that Mephisto has been the secret hand guiding many Marvel villains dating back millions of years. In fact, Mephisto is shown to be Earth's very first villain. It all ties back to the series' earlier revelation that Earth's unique genetic diversity and unusual number of superhumans can be blamed on the day 4 billion years ago when a diseased Celestial landed and vomited into the primordial soup. It's like Prometheus, but grosser. [caption id="attachment_2434461" align="aligncenter" width="931"] Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] Even billions of years before humanity appeared, Mephisto was already lurking and waiting to spread his evil across the world. The Celestial's disgusting gift of genetic diversity was his cue. Appearing as a fly, Mephisto began laying millions of tainted maggots and setting the stage for new and more twisted forms of evil to be born. As life began to spread and flourish, Mephisto began whispering into the ears of other villains, stoking conflicts that continue to play out even today. He was the one who originally lured a young Thanos to Earth and into battle with the Avengers of 1,000,000 BC. He set Apocalypse on the path to becoming a mutant conqueror (though we recently learned Apocalypse has his own reasons for his "survival of the fittest" ethos). Mephisto once manipulated Hulk, convincing the Jade Giant that humanity will never trust him. This issue even features a flash-forward to the King Thor era of Aaron's earlier Thor saga, showing Mephisto orchestrating a battle between Thor's granddaughters and Doom the Living Planet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/07/26/thor-love-and-thunder-jane-foster-as-thor-explained"] The moral is pretty clear. Mephisto may rarely use his power to directly threaten Earth's heroes, but he's all too happy to pull the strings of mighty villains like Apocalypse and Thanos. And as this issue reveals, he always has a backup plan in the event of his own death. A recurring flashback storyline shows Mephisto saving the life of a starving American settler named Ambrose Winthrop. In exchange for his life and the promise of a great fortune in California, Winthrop agrees to sacrifice his family and give Mephisto tributes in the form of the firstborn child of every new generation of Winthrops. That devil's bargain finally culminates in 2020, as Howard Stark visits the last surviving member of the Winthrop family. As the man is devoured by a hellhound, the motivations behind that pact are finally made clear. Centuries of taking the flesh of the Winthrops has allowed Mephisto to assemble a new body for himself. He may have been temporarily defeated by Moon Knight, but Mephisto is already back and ready for the next phase of his twisted plan. [caption id="attachment_2434462" align="aligncenter" width="928"] Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] What that plan involves remains to be seen. For now, the series will be turning tis attention to the Phoenix Force, as the next story arc deals with the return of that cosmic entity and the mystery of which Marvel character will become its next host. Could we be due for Avengers vs. X-Men 2.0? Let us know what you think of this revamp of Marvel history - and which Marvel hero you think is worthy of becoming the next Phoenix - in the comments below. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

The Avengers have certainly had their hands full lately, facing everything from a vampire civil war to a battle with a turbo-charged version of Moon Knight. The latest chapter of Jason Aaron's The Avengers series begins tying these various threads together in a major way, showing us that one Marvel villain has been at the root of countless acts of evil across the centuries. Read on to learn how The Avengers #38 rewrites Marvel history, but beware of full spoilers ahead! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-avengers-38-preview-see-marvels-history-rewritten&captions=true"] Issue #38 unfolds in the aftermath of "The Age of Khonshu," where the Avengers learned Moon Knight's godly benefactor had a vision of a future ruled by the demon lord Mephisto. In order to nip that problem in the bud, Khonshu empowered Moon Knight with enough strength to beat up even the Mighty Thor. Though Mephisto was seemingly killed and Moon Knight ultimately sided with the Avengers rather than allow Khonshu to rule the world, this supernatural hero isn't convinced that dark future has been averted. Even before "The Age of Khonshu," we learned even the late Howard Stark was a servant of Mephisto, and he seems to be still alive and doing his master's bidding. At this point, it's becoming clear Mephisto is the overarching threat tying together the series' many ongoing plot threads. Now we have a better understanding of how exactly Mephisto fits into the bigger picture. The Avengers #38 reveals that Mephisto has been the secret hand guiding many Marvel villains dating back millions of years. In fact, Mephisto is shown to be Earth's very first villain. It all ties back to the series' earlier revelation that Earth's unique genetic diversity and unusual number of superhumans can be blamed on the day 4 billion years ago when a diseased Celestial landed and vomited into the primordial soup. It's like Prometheus, but grosser. [caption id="attachment_2434461" align="aligncenter" width="931"] Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] Even billions of years before humanity appeared, Mephisto was already lurking and waiting to spread his evil across the world. The Celestial's disgusting gift of genetic diversity was his cue. Appearing as a fly, Mephisto began laying millions of tainted maggots and setting the stage for new and more twisted forms of evil to be born. As life began to spread and flourish, Mephisto began whispering into the ears of other villains, stoking conflicts that continue to play out even today. He was the one who originally lured a young Thanos to Earth and into battle with the Avengers of 1,000,000 BC. He set Apocalypse on the path to becoming a mutant conqueror (though we recently learned Apocalypse has his own reasons for his "survival of the fittest" ethos). Mephisto once manipulated Hulk, convincing the Jade Giant that humanity will never trust him. This issue even features a flash-forward to the King Thor era of Aaron's earlier Thor saga, showing Mephisto orchestrating a battle between Thor's granddaughters and Doom the Living Planet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/07/26/thor-love-and-thunder-jane-foster-as-thor-explained"] The moral is pretty clear. Mephisto may rarely use his power to directly threaten Earth's heroes, but he's all too happy to pull the strings of mighty villains like Apocalypse and Thanos. And as this issue reveals, he always has a backup plan in the event of his own death. A recurring flashback storyline shows Mephisto saving the life of a starving American settler named Ambrose Winthrop. In exchange for his life and the promise of a great fortune in California, Winthrop agrees to sacrifice his family and give Mephisto tributes in the form of the firstborn child of every new generation of Winthrops. That devil's bargain finally culminates in 2020, as Howard Stark visits the last surviving member of the Winthrop family. As the man is devoured by a hellhound, the motivations behind that pact are finally made clear. Centuries of taking the flesh of the Winthrops has allowed Mephisto to assemble a new body for himself. He may have been temporarily defeated by Moon Knight, but Mephisto is already back and ready for the next phase of his twisted plan. [caption id="attachment_2434462" align="aligncenter" width="928"] Art by Ed McGuinness. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] What that plan involves remains to be seen. For now, the series will be turning tis attention to the Phoenix Force, as the next story arc deals with the return of that cosmic entity and the mystery of which Marvel character will become its next host. Could we be due for Avengers vs. X-Men 2.0? Let us know what you think of this revamp of Marvel history - and which Marvel hero you think is worthy of becoming the next Phoenix - in the comments below. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Developer Lucid Games has detailed all the game modes, including Mayhem, Carnado, and more, that will be available at launch for its upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive Destruction AllStars. Destruction AllStars, which was once a PlayStation 5 launch title, will now be released in February 2021 on PlayStation Plus and will let players from around the world compete in modes that can be played in solo, in a team with AI, or with friends and rivals in online multiplayer. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/destruction-allstars-gameplay-trailer"] Mayhem is the first mode that was described in Destruction AllStars' latest PlayStation.Blog update, and it plays like a classic deathmatch. It is playable in solo and teams, and tasks players with dealing damage and wrecking as many opponents as possible within a given time limit. The player with the highest score at the end of the round will win. Carnado, playable in both solo and teams, is all about risk and reward. It allows you to earn Gears - AllStars' collectable in-game items - for damaging or wrecking competitors. You can also sacrifice your vehicle by driving it into the Carnado to score points, and will then be forced to get a new vehicle or steal one for a quick points boost. Stockpile is Destruction AllStars' take on capture and control and is a team-based mode. Players will need to wreck or knock out opponents to cause Gears to drop, and then will need to go on foot to collect the Gears and "run through a gauntlet of vehicles to one of the three banks around the map." The team with the most banks at the end of the game wins. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=destruction-allstars-game-modes-reveal&captions=true"] Gridfall sees 16 players enter an arena to fight to be the last one standing. You will have to use your skills to stay in the game as the arena falls away throughout the round. As players are wrecked or knocked out, they will trade a respawn to get back in the game. Run out of respawns, and you are out. There will also be a Training mode, a Challenge Series that will unlock exclusive Character and Player Cosmetics through a "curated series of challenging events against the AI, and a Rewards hub that will house Skins, Emotes, Vehicle Emotes, and Shouts. When Destruction AllStars launches, it will just be the beginning. Throughout 2021, the team at Lucid Games will add new Seasons and Events, AllStars, Challenge Series, Features, and much more. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/destruction-allstars-announcement-trailer-ps5-reveal-event"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Developer Lucid Games has detailed all the game modes, including Mayhem, Carnado, and more, that will be available at launch for its upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive Destruction AllStars. Destruction AllStars, which was once a PlayStation 5 launch title, will now be released in February 2021 on PlayStation Plus and will let players from around the world compete in modes that can be played in solo, in a team with AI, or with friends and rivals in online multiplayer. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/destruction-allstars-gameplay-trailer"] Mayhem is the first mode that was described in Destruction AllStars' latest PlayStation.Blog update, and it plays like a classic deathmatch. It is playable in solo and teams, and tasks players with dealing damage and wrecking as many opponents as possible within a given time limit. The player with the highest score at the end of the round will win. Carnado, playable in both solo and teams, is all about risk and reward. It allows you to earn Gears - AllStars' collectable in-game items - for damaging or wrecking competitors. You can also sacrifice your vehicle by driving it into the Carnado to score points, and will then be forced to get a new vehicle or steal one for a quick points boost. Stockpile is Destruction AllStars' take on capture and control and is a team-based mode. Players will need to wreck or knock out opponents to cause Gears to drop, and then will need to go on foot to collect the Gears and "run through a gauntlet of vehicles to one of the three banks around the map." The team with the most banks at the end of the game wins. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=destruction-allstars-game-modes-reveal&captions=true"] Gridfall sees 16 players enter an arena to fight to be the last one standing. You will have to use your skills to stay in the game as the arena falls away throughout the round. As players are wrecked or knocked out, they will trade a respawn to get back in the game. Run out of respawns, and you are out. There will also be a Training mode, a Challenge Series that will unlock exclusive Character and Player Cosmetics through a "curated series of challenging events against the AI, and a Rewards hub that will house Skins, Emotes, Vehicle Emotes, and Shouts. When Destruction AllStars launches, it will just be the beginning. Throughout 2021, the team at Lucid Games will add new Seasons and Events, AllStars, Challenge Series, Features, and much more. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/destruction-allstars-announcement-trailer-ps5-reveal-event"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

GameStop has reportedly canceled a company-wide contest that asked employees to perform a synchronized TikTok dance in exchange for prizes like extra work hours on Black Friday. Originally reported by TheGamer, news broke on November 3 that GameStop had announced a TikTok competition across its stores that tasked employees with performing a synchronized dance with their coworkers in exchange for a prize. The prize included an Amazon Echo 8, an Amazon Echo Auto, a $100 VISA gift card, and 10 extra work hours on Black Friday. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=gamestop-in-the-news-timeline&captions=true"] "The winner of the challenge will receive an Echo 8, Echo Auto, $100 VISA gift card and 10 additional labor hours to use during Black Friday week," the competition's announcement post from GameStop reads, according to TheGamer. "Imagine what you could do with all those prizes." Yes, imagine what you could do with all those prizes, like work ten extra hours during one of the most stressful weeks in customer service and retail all while a global pandemic is happening. The announcement was originally posted on GameStop's conference portal but has since been removed, as discovered by TheGamer, likely due to the backlash the competition received. The GameStop subreddit was quickly filled with dozens of posts about this competition, with one post, in particular, receiving over 100 comments ranging from "eww" to "new form of low." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/07/how-gamestop-plans-to-save-itself"] While the competition's announcement post has been removed, GameStop hasn't formally announced anything regarding a cancellation. IGN reached out to GameStop for clarification but haven't heard back. This isn't the first time GameStop has received backlash for its treatment of employees. Earlier this year, the company said it was an "essential business" and required employees to work during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It eventually closed its stores when it switched to curbside service in March. On top of the backlash the company is facing over this competition, the company recently announced that it was closing around 400 stores this year. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

GameStop has reportedly canceled a company-wide contest that asked employees to perform a synchronized TikTok dance in exchange for prizes like extra work hours on Black Friday. Originally reported by TheGamer, news broke on November 3 that GameStop had announced a TikTok competition across its stores that tasked employees with performing a synchronized dance with their coworkers in exchange for a prize. The prize included an Amazon Echo 8, an Amazon Echo Auto, a $100 VISA gift card, and 10 extra work hours on Black Friday. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=gamestop-in-the-news-timeline&captions=true"] "The winner of the challenge will receive an Echo 8, Echo Auto, $100 VISA gift card and 10 additional labor hours to use during Black Friday week," the competition's announcement post from GameStop reads, according to TheGamer. "Imagine what you could do with all those prizes." Yes, imagine what you could do with all those prizes, like work ten extra hours during one of the most stressful weeks in customer service and retail all while a global pandemic is happening. The announcement was originally posted on GameStop's conference portal but has since been removed, as discovered by TheGamer, likely due to the backlash the competition received. The GameStop subreddit was quickly filled with dozens of posts about this competition, with one post, in particular, receiving over 100 comments ranging from "eww" to "new form of low." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/07/how-gamestop-plans-to-save-itself"] While the competition's announcement post has been removed, GameStop hasn't formally announced anything regarding a cancellation. IGN reached out to GameStop for clarification but haven't heard back. This isn't the first time GameStop has received backlash for its treatment of employees. Earlier this year, the company said it was an "essential business" and required employees to work during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It eventually closed its stores when it switched to curbside service in March. On top of the backlash the company is facing over this competition, the company recently announced that it was closing around 400 stores this year. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are only a week away from launch and EA has revealed its plans for bringing its newest games to next-gen systems. Some titles, like Madden NFL 21 and FIFA will receive full next-gen upgrades, while others will be backward compatible with some enhancements. In a new blog post, EA has broken down which games are receiving next-gen upgrades and which games will be backward compatible. This being next-gen it’s never simple and some titles will receive some extra features but not full upgrades. Some enhancements are also not uniform either. Star Wars: Squadrons will receive new FPS modes on the Xbox Series X|S, but only improved lighting effects on PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/15/star-wars-squadrons-official-trailer"] Here’s EA’s full rundown of next-gen plans for its current games:

EA Sports Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21

Madden 21 and FIFA 21 will be backward compatible on next-gen systems if you already own the PS4 or Xbox One/X/S version of either game. On December 4, existing owners will be able to redeem a free next-gen upgrade for Madden 21 and FIFA 21 for either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The upgrade will be available until NFL 22 and FIFA 22 are released next year. Online content such as Ultimate Team, The Yard, Franchise modes, and Volta Football will also transfer between generations.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars: Squadrons will receive a new framerate upgrade for Xbox Series X|S players where they can choose to focus either on better visuals or better framerate. Squadrons can run at 1440p at 60 FPS on Xbox Series S and up to 2160p at 60 FPS on the Series X. In performance mode, players can achieve 1440p at 120 FPS on Series S and 2160p at 120 FPS on Series X while sacrificing some of the better lighting models and improved visuals. On PlayStation 5, EA says Squadrons will run with improved lighting and the same resolution and framerate as on the PlayStation 4 Pro. Squadrons will also feature cross-platform play across all available platforms both current and next-gen.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends will experience a performance boost on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to 1440p, but a more formal next-gen enhancement is being planned for next year.

The Sims 4

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will come with faster loading times and smoother framerates. The next expansion, Snowy Escape will also be released on next-gen systems as well as existing platforms on current-gen consoles, PC, and Mac. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-madden-nfl-game-review-ever&captions=true"]

EA Sports UFC 4, NHL 21

Both sports titles will be available as backward compatible games on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will run on next-gen systems as they would on the Xbox One X, (One S on the Series S) and PS4 Pro.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

The latest Need for Speed remaster will be available as a backward-compatible title on next-gen systems. Like the EA Sports title, the next-gen consoles will run Hot Pursuit Remastered as they would run on a corresponding current-gen system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] As the next-gen systems approach, developers and publishers are sharing their plans for upgrading games to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Though there is still some confusion over what this might entail as shown when Ubisoft confirmed, then unconfirmed, which games will be playable on next-gen hardware. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are only a week away from launch and EA has revealed its plans for bringing its newest games to next-gen systems. Some titles, like Madden NFL 21 and FIFA will receive full next-gen upgrades, while others will be backward compatible with some enhancements. In a new blog post, EA has broken down which games are receiving next-gen upgrades and which games will be backward compatible. This being next-gen it’s never simple and some titles will receive some extra features but not full upgrades. Some enhancements are also not uniform either. Star Wars: Squadrons will receive new FPS modes on the Xbox Series X|S, but only improved lighting effects on PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/15/star-wars-squadrons-official-trailer"] Here’s EA’s full rundown of next-gen plans for its current games:

EA Sports Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21

Madden 21 and FIFA 21 will be backward compatible on next-gen systems if you already own the PS4 or Xbox One/X/S version of either game. On December 4, existing owners will be able to redeem a free next-gen upgrade for Madden 21 and FIFA 21 for either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The upgrade will be available until NFL 22 and FIFA 22 are released next year. Online content such as Ultimate Team, The Yard, Franchise modes, and Volta Football will also transfer between generations.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars: Squadrons will receive a new framerate upgrade for Xbox Series X|S players where they can choose to focus either on better visuals or better framerate. Squadrons can run at 1440p at 60 FPS on Xbox Series S and up to 2160p at 60 FPS on the Series X. In performance mode, players can achieve 1440p at 120 FPS on Series S and 2160p at 120 FPS on Series X while sacrificing some of the better lighting models and improved visuals. On PlayStation 5, EA says Squadrons will run with improved lighting and the same resolution and framerate as on the PlayStation 4 Pro. Squadrons will also feature cross-platform play across all available platforms both current and next-gen.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends will experience a performance boost on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to 1440p, but a more formal next-gen enhancement is being planned for next year.

The Sims 4

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will come with faster loading times and smoother framerates. The next expansion, Snowy Escape will also be released on next-gen systems as well as existing platforms on current-gen consoles, PC, and Mac. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-madden-nfl-game-review-ever&captions=true"]

EA Sports UFC 4, NHL 21

Both sports titles will be available as backward compatible games on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will run on next-gen systems as they would on the Xbox One X, (One S on the Series S) and PS4 Pro.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

The latest Need for Speed remaster will be available as a backward-compatible title on next-gen systems. Like the EA Sports title, the next-gen consoles will run Hot Pursuit Remastered as they would run on a corresponding current-gen system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] As the next-gen systems approach, developers and publishers are sharing their plans for upgrading games to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Though there is still some confusion over what this might entail as shown when Ubisoft confirmed, then unconfirmed, which games will be playable on next-gen hardware. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Activision has announced that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 will be getting a crossover with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time with Crash-themed in-game items, including nine shirts, three hats, and one skateboard deck. This first-ever crossover between Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk will begin tomorrow, November 6, and arrives as part of a free title update. Fans can take a look at a short clip below that hints at some of the items that will soon be available. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/tony-hawks-pro-skater-1-2s-crash-bandicoot-4-crossover"] This Crash content is part of a bigger update that will also bring The Birdman Pack that is benefitting The Skatepark Project. This pack includes classic and additional boards from Birdhouse and Powell-Peralta and a new TSP deck created specifically for charity. This limited time Create-A-Skater 10-deck bundle will be available for $4.99 USD and 100% of Activision's net proceeds will "help support the construction of public skateparks for youth in undeserved communities." Furthermore, players will be able to replay Tours mode with individual skaters, allowing them to max out stats of their favorite characters. At the start of each Solo Tour, all Goals and Medals will be reset, and the current Tours mode will move to "Crew Tours" so previous progress will not be lost. There will also be new objectives within online Multiplayer, Create-A-Park and Combo Practice, better randomization for Multiplayer playlists in both Jams and Competitive modes, and the three winners from the Create-A-Deck contest will have their creations in-game for all to use. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/03/tony-hawks-pro-skater-12-review"] In our review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2, we said it "is such a tremendous turnaround from 2015’s disastrously dismal Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 that it’s difficult to believe they share even a shred of DNA. The accessible yet tricky skating is earnest and old-school fun, the wonderful looking levels are lovingly designed odes to the past, and the music is like the hearty embrace of an old childhood buddy." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Activision has announced that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 will be getting a crossover with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time with Crash-themed in-game items, including nine shirts, three hats, and one skateboard deck. This first-ever crossover between Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk will begin tomorrow, November 6, and arrives as part of a free title update. Fans can take a look at a short clip below that hints at some of the items that will soon be available. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/tony-hawks-pro-skater-1-2s-crash-bandicoot-4-crossover"] This Crash content is part of a bigger update that will also bring The Birdman Pack that is benefitting The Skatepark Project. This pack includes classic and additional boards from Birdhouse and Powell-Peralta and a new TSP deck created specifically for charity. This limited time Create-A-Skater 10-deck bundle will be available for $4.99 USD and 100% of Activision's net proceeds will "help support the construction of public skateparks for youth in undeserved communities." Furthermore, players will be able to replay Tours mode with individual skaters, allowing them to max out stats of their favorite characters. At the start of each Solo Tour, all Goals and Medals will be reset, and the current Tours mode will move to "Crew Tours" so previous progress will not be lost. There will also be new objectives within online Multiplayer, Create-A-Park and Combo Practice, better randomization for Multiplayer playlists in both Jams and Competitive modes, and the three winners from the Create-A-Deck contest will have their creations in-game for all to use. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/03/tony-hawks-pro-skater-12-review"] In our review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2, we said it "is such a tremendous turnaround from 2015’s disastrously dismal Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 that it’s difficult to believe they share even a shred of DNA. The accessible yet tricky skating is earnest and old-school fun, the wonderful looking levels are lovingly designed odes to the past, and the music is like the hearty embrace of an old childhood buddy." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.