On this week's episode of IGN's weekly PlayStation show, Podcast Beyond!, host Jonathon Dornbush is joined by Brian Altano, Max Scoville, and Mitchell Saltzman to discuss our first hands-on experience with the PS5. We have the PS5, so we offer a look and description of the hardware, and our thoughts on the Cooling Springs level of Astro's Playroom and the DualSense controller's new haptic feedback. Plus, we dive into the Destruction AllStars and Cyberpunk 2077 delays, and more! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ps5-console-first-look-size-comparison&captions=true"]

• Direct Download

• YouTube

•  Apple Podcasts/iTunes

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• PlayerFM

• Podbay

• TuneIn

• Podbean

• Feedburner

Podcast Beyond! is live every Wednesday. For more on PS5, check out the PS5 full specs list, why we're excited about PS5's 3D audio focus, and an analysis of what teraflops really mean for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=0b8b1f86-da52-4fef-b0a7-2729ca596785"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

The Ascent, which was once set to be a launch title for both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, will now be released in 2021. Originally revealed at Microsoft's first next-gen Inside Xbox broadcast, The Ascent is an action-RPG set in a cyberpunk world and appears to be a wonderful mashup of Diablo and Judge Dredd, as we have previously noted. Developer Neon Giant has also shared a new video that showcases the development and highlights a few features coming to The Ascent when it is released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC in 2021. It will also be available for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/the-ascent-neon-giants-developer-walkthrough"] We featured The Ascent as our IGN First game for May 2020 and took a look at gameplay, concept art, how it originally became an Xbox Series X launch exclusive, and much more. The Ascent has you taking on the role of an indentured worker who will dive deep into 'The Ascent Group' arcology, a self-contained corporate-run metropolis stretches high into the sky and is filled with "creatures from all over the galaxy." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-ascent-exclusive-next-gen-screenshots-and-concept-art&captions=true"] It's an adventure that can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op modes and is targeting 60 fps and full 4K support on Xbox Series X alongside "amazing gameplay performance for the new generation of console players." [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.

The Ascent, which was once set to be a launch title for both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, will now be released in 2021. Originally revealed at Microsoft's first next-gen Inside Xbox broadcast, The Ascent is an action-RPG set in a cyberpunk world and appears to be a wonderful mashup of Diablo and Judge Dredd, as we have previously noted. Developer Neon Giant has also shared a new video that showcases the development and highlights a few features coming to The Ascent when it is released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC in 2021. It will also be available for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/the-ascent-neon-giants-developer-walkthrough"] We featured The Ascent as our IGN First game for May 2020 and took a look at gameplay, concept art, how it originally became an Xbox Series X launch exclusive, and much more. The Ascent has you taking on the role of an indentured worker who will dive deep into 'The Ascent Group' arcology, a self-contained corporate-run metropolis stretches high into the sky and is filled with "creatures from all over the galaxy." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-ascent-exclusive-next-gen-screenshots-and-concept-art&captions=true"] It's an adventure that can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op modes and is targeting 60 fps and full 4K support on Xbox Series X alongside "amazing gameplay performance for the new generation of console players." [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.

It's safe to say IDW Publishing's new miniseries The Last Ronin is among the most hotly anticipated comics of 2020. Not only does this series reveal the bleak future of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, a la The Dark Knight Returns, it's the first collaboration in years from original TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Just how dark do things get for the Heroes in a Half-Shell? Which TMNT icons are still left standing in this totalitarian future? Read on to learn more about the surprising twists in store, but beware of full spoilers for Last Ronin #1 ahead! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=tmnt-the-last-ronin&captions=true"]

The Foot Clan Reborn

The Last Ronin #1 slowly gives readers a sense of how the world of TMNT has evolved over the course of several decades. And it's not good, to put it mildly. Decades into the future, New York City has become a totalitarian sci-fi hellscape straight out of Akira or Blade Runner. Outside the city's walls is a radioactive wasteland. Inside, New York's citizens are dominated by the Foot Clan, which has only grown more powerful since the days of Shredder. The new Foot Clan leader rules with an iron fist, relying on an army of cyborg soldiers and Stockman Tech creations to ensure the wealthy elite are never threatened by the 99%. [caption id="attachment_2431273" align="aligncenter" width="1448"] Art by Kevin Eastman & Esau & Isaac Escorza/ (Image Credit: IDW)[/caption] Who is this new Foot Clan leader? None other than Oroku Hiroto, grandson to the original Shredder. As we learn, Hiroto is the bastard son of Shredder's daughter Karai. Somehow he's succeeded where his grandfather failed, killing three of the four Turtles and extending his clan's grip over the entire city. Issue #1 shows the last surviving Turtle infiltrating the city and trying to assassinate Hiroto, only to be severely wounded and forced to retreat to the sewers. Unlike Shredder, Hiroto seems content to let his minions do the heavy lifting. We also learn Hiroto is keeping his mother preserved in cryogenic sleep

Who Is the Last Ronin?

It's easy to forget that IDW never actually revealed the identity of the series' main protagonist prior to the release of The Last Ronin #1. This grizzled character has abandoned his original bandana in favor of an all-black look and wields all four trademark TMNT weapons. Between his grim demeanor and the fact that he seems to favor a katana in most of the numerous variant covers for issue #1, it's a logical assumption Leonardo is the one trying to avenge his fallen brothers. But that assumption is wrong, as we learn on the final page of issue #1. [caption id="attachment_2431271" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Nope, this isn't actually Leonardo. Art by InHyuk Lee. (Image Credit: IDW)[/caption] It's actually Michelangelo who outlived his brothers and now yearns to restore his family's honor. Clearly, his days as the family's designated Party Dude are long behind him. Michelangelo appears to be haunted by the ghosts of his brothers, as several scenes feature him conversing with characters who linger just off-panel. After failing to kill Hiroto, Michelangelo returns to the sewers and attempts to commit seppuku with the broken remnant of Leonardo's sword, only to pass out before he can do the deed. After a brief hallucination where he's reunited with his fallen brothers in their old home, Michelangelo awakens to find another familiar face. April O'Neil has also survived, even if she doesn't look to be in much better shape than Mikey. But the good news is that our hero has at least one ally in his war with the Foot Clan. Will we see other TMNT favorites pop up over the course of the series, like Alopex or Casey Jones. Is the new female Turtle Jennika part of this alternate future universe? We'll have to wait and see in future chapters. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/27/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-miniseries-announced"] In other futuristic comic book developments, legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont is penning a brand new prequel to Days of Future Past as part of a new hardcover collection. We also got our first look at DC's Future State, a massive crossover event showcasing the DCU of the year 2030. [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.

It's safe to say IDW Publishing's new miniseries The Last Ronin is among the most hotly anticipated comics of 2020. Not only does this series reveal the bleak future of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, a la The Dark Knight Returns, it's the first collaboration in years from original TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Just how dark do things get for the Heroes in a Half-Shell? Which TMNT icons are still left standing in this totalitarian future? Read on to learn more about the surprising twists in store, but beware of full spoilers for Last Ronin #1 ahead! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=tmnt-the-last-ronin&captions=true"]

The Foot Clan Reborn

The Last Ronin #1 slowly gives readers a sense of how the world of TMNT has evolved over the course of several decades. And it's not good, to put it mildly. Decades into the future, New York City has become a totalitarian sci-fi hellscape straight out of Akira or Blade Runner. Outside the city's walls is a radioactive wasteland. Inside, New York's citizens are dominated by the Foot Clan, which has only grown more powerful since the days of Shredder. The new Foot Clan leader rules with an iron fist, relying on an army of cyborg soldiers and Stockman Tech creations to ensure the wealthy elite are never threatened by the 99%. [caption id="attachment_2431273" align="aligncenter" width="1448"] Art by Kevin Eastman & Esau & Isaac Escorza/ (Image Credit: IDW)[/caption] Who is this new Foot Clan leader? None other than Oroku Hiroto, grandson to the original Shredder. As we learn, Hiroto is the bastard son of Shredder's daughter Karai. Somehow he's succeeded where his grandfather failed, killing three of the four Turtles and extending his clan's grip over the entire city. Issue #1 shows the last surviving Turtle infiltrating the city and trying to assassinate Hiroto, only to be severely wounded and forced to retreat to the sewers. Unlike Shredder, Hiroto seems content to let his minions do the heavy lifting. We also learn Hiroto is keeping his mother preserved in cryogenic sleep

Who Is the Last Ronin?

It's easy to forget that IDW never actually revealed the identity of the series' main protagonist prior to the release of The Last Ronin #1. This grizzled character has abandoned his original bandana in favor of an all-black look and wields all four trademark TMNT weapons. Between his grim demeanor and the fact that he seems to favor a katana in most of the numerous variant covers for issue #1, it's a logical assumption Leonardo is the one trying to avenge his fallen brothers. But that assumption is wrong, as we learn on the final page of issue #1. [caption id="attachment_2431271" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Nope, this isn't actually Leonardo. Art by InHyuk Lee. (Image Credit: IDW)[/caption] It's actually Michelangelo who outlived his brothers and now yearns to restore his family's honor. Clearly, his days as the family's designated Party Dude are long behind him. Michelangelo appears to be haunted by the ghosts of his brothers, as several scenes feature him conversing with characters who linger just off-panel. After failing to kill Hiroto, Michelangelo returns to the sewers and attempts to commit seppuku with the broken remnant of Leonardo's sword, only to pass out before he can do the deed. After a brief hallucination where he's reunited with his fallen brothers in their old home, Michelangelo awakens to find another familiar face. April O'Neil has also survived, even if she doesn't look to be in much better shape than Mikey. But the good news is that our hero has at least one ally in his war with the Foot Clan. Will we see other TMNT favorites pop up over the course of the series, like Alopex or Casey Jones. Is the new female Turtle Jennika part of this alternate future universe? We'll have to wait and see in future chapters. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/27/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-miniseries-announced"] In other futuristic comic book developments, legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont is penning a brand new prequel to Days of Future Past as part of a new hardcover collection. We also got our first look at DC's Future State, a massive crossover event showcasing the DCU of the year 2030. [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.

If the impending return of Animaniacs on Hulu isn't enough to quench your '90s cartoon nostalgia, maybe the Tiny Toons can help. The beloved animated series is also due for a comeback in the form of Tiny Toons Looniversity. Warner Bros.' press release teases "They're tiny. They're toony. They're back for a reboot-y," so Looniversity appears to be a reboot of the original Tiny Toon Adventures rather than a continuation (not that the series was ever very plot-heavy). Tiny Toon Adventures originally ran from 1990 to 1992 and chronicled the misadventures of a new generation of toon students studying under the classic Looney Tunes cast. It later became a mainstay of the Kids' WB animation block alongside Animaniacs, Batman Beyond, and other '90s favorites. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-most-memorable-kids-wb-original-shows&captions=true"] The original series was also notable for being the first collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, and Spielberg will return to executive produce Looniversity. Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, and Amblin Television Co-Presidents Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank are also serving as executive producers. Erin Nash (of the Throwing Shade podcast fame) is serving as showrunner, and she and Nate Cash (Adventure Time) are co-executive producing the series. “For many kids, Tiny Toons was their introduction to the world of Looney Tunes and, over time, Buster, Babs, Plucky, and all the characters grew to be just as beloved by an entirely new generation," said Register in Warners' press release. "The continuation of our great creative partnership with Amblin Television will bring these characters back for fans of all ages to enjoy.” “These smart, hilarious and cheeky characters have left an indelible impression on the childhoods of so many," said Falvey and Frank. "We’re thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Warner Bros. Animation, HBO Max, and Cartoon Network to reimagine the Tiny Toons for new audiences, and we know that fans of the original series will be just as excited to share the show with their children as they will be to revisit a childhood favorite.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/21/animaniacs-official-trailer-2020"] Tiny Toons Looniversity has been given a straight-to-series order for two full seasons and will air on Cartoon Network and stream exclusively on HBO Max. No release date has been revealed yet, and it's unclear whether any of the original voice cast will return. The good news is that we don't have much longer to wait for Hulu's Animaniacs revival. That series is scheduled to debut on November 20. Hulu has confirmed Animaniacs will return for a second 13-episode season in 2021. The revival itself reportedly came about because of a surge of popularity for Animaniacs on Netflix, which may have also played a role in Tiny Toon Adventures being given a second lease on life. Are you excited for the return of the Tiny Toons? Let us know 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.

If the impending return of Animaniacs on Hulu isn't enough to quench your '90s cartoon nostalgia, maybe the Tiny Toons can help. The beloved animated series is also due for a comeback in the form of Tiny Toons Looniversity. Warner Bros.' press release teases "They're tiny. They're toony. They're back for a reboot-y," so Looniversity appears to be a reboot of the original Tiny Toon Adventures rather than a continuation (not that the series was ever very plot-heavy). Tiny Toon Adventures originally ran from 1990 to 1992 and chronicled the misadventures of a new generation of toon students studying under the classic Looney Tunes cast. It later became a mainstay of the Kids' WB animation block alongside Animaniacs, Batman Beyond, and other '90s favorites. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-most-memorable-kids-wb-original-shows&captions=true"] The original series was also notable for being the first collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, and Spielberg will return to executive produce Looniversity. Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, and Amblin Television Co-Presidents Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank are also serving as executive producers. Erin Nash (of the Throwing Shade podcast fame) is serving as showrunner, and she and Nate Cash (Adventure Time) are co-executive producing the series. “For many kids, Tiny Toons was their introduction to the world of Looney Tunes and, over time, Buster, Babs, Plucky, and all the characters grew to be just as beloved by an entirely new generation," said Register in Warners' press release. "The continuation of our great creative partnership with Amblin Television will bring these characters back for fans of all ages to enjoy.” “These smart, hilarious and cheeky characters have left an indelible impression on the childhoods of so many," said Falvey and Frank. "We’re thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Warner Bros. Animation, HBO Max, and Cartoon Network to reimagine the Tiny Toons for new audiences, and we know that fans of the original series will be just as excited to share the show with their children as they will be to revisit a childhood favorite.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/21/animaniacs-official-trailer-2020"] Tiny Toons Looniversity has been given a straight-to-series order for two full seasons and will air on Cartoon Network and stream exclusively on HBO Max. No release date has been revealed yet, and it's unclear whether any of the original voice cast will return. The good news is that we don't have much longer to wait for Hulu's Animaniacs revival. That series is scheduled to debut on November 20. Hulu has confirmed Animaniacs will return for a second 13-episode season in 2021. The revival itself reportedly came about because of a surge of popularity for Animaniacs on Netflix, which may have also played a role in Tiny Toon Adventures being given a second lease on life. Are you excited for the return of the Tiny Toons? Let us know 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.

Son'y revealed an updated version of its PS App, which will roll out on iOS and Android today. The update brings a new design, a native PS Store, voice chat features, and more. Announced on the PS Blog, the new version of the app aims to make it easier to keep track of your PS5 and PS5, your friends on PSN, and general PlayStation news. Check out images of the new design and features below. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ps-app-update-images&captions=true"] Per the blog, here's a list of new features:  

• Updated user interface – The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek new user interface of the redesigned PS App. The new home screen lets you quickly see what your friends are playing and access details about your recently played games, including your Trophy List.

• Messages integration – For a unified experience, the PS Messages app feature will now be integrated in the updated PS App so you can seamlessly message your friends all in one place. As part of this integration, PS Messages will no longer be available as a standalone app. Your existing messages and threads in PS Messages will be carried over to the updated PS App.

• Voice Chat and Party Groups – You can now create party groups from PS App, and voice chat with up to 15 other friends though your mobile phone. Also, a note to fans: the PlayStation team is looking into your feedback around the Parties changes introduced in the PS4 system software update 8.00. There are no updates to share today, but thanks for speaking up about your concerns – we’re listening and evaluating.

• Natively integrated PlayStation Store and remote downloads – The new native PS Store experience enables fast and smooth shopping and browsing, with the ability to remotely download games and add-ons directly to your PS4 and PS5.

• New features for PS5 – When PS5 arrives, you’ll be able to remotely launch games, manage storage on your console if you run out of space while downloading a game, and quickly sign in to PS5 straight from the PS App.

• All the latest PlayStation news – The Explore tab surfaces Official News from game developers and PS Blog content to help you stay up to date with the world of PlayStation.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] It's the latest in a swathe of PlayStation news today, from Bugsnax launching on PS Plus, to TemTem on PS5, to No Man's Sky's next-gen version being a PS5 launch game. [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.

Son'y revealed an updated version of its PS App, which will roll out on iOS and Android today. The update brings a new design, a native PS Store, voice chat features, and more. Announced on the PS Blog, the new version of the app aims to make it easier to keep track of your PS5 and PS5, your friends on PSN, and general PlayStation news. Check out images of the new design and features below. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ps-app-update-images&captions=true"] Per the blog, here's a list of new features:  

• Updated user interface – The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek new user interface of the redesigned PS App. The new home screen lets you quickly see what your friends are playing and access details about your recently played games, including your Trophy List.

• Messages integration – For a unified experience, the PS Messages app feature will now be integrated in the updated PS App so you can seamlessly message your friends all in one place. As part of this integration, PS Messages will no longer be available as a standalone app. Your existing messages and threads in PS Messages will be carried over to the updated PS App.

• Voice Chat and Party Groups – You can now create party groups from PS App, and voice chat with up to 15 other friends though your mobile phone. Also, a note to fans: the PlayStation team is looking into your feedback around the Parties changes introduced in the PS4 system software update 8.00. There are no updates to share today, but thanks for speaking up about your concerns – we’re listening and evaluating.

• Natively integrated PlayStation Store and remote downloads – The new native PS Store experience enables fast and smooth shopping and browsing, with the ability to remotely download games and add-ons directly to your PS4 and PS5.

• New features for PS5 – When PS5 arrives, you’ll be able to remotely launch games, manage storage on your console if you run out of space while downloading a game, and quickly sign in to PS5 straight from the PS App.

• All the latest PlayStation news – The Explore tab surfaces Official News from game developers and PS Blog content to help you stay up to date with the world of PlayStation.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true"] It's the latest in a swathe of PlayStation news today, from Bugsnax launching on PS Plus, to TemTem on PS5, to No Man's Sky's next-gen version being a PS5 launch game. [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.

Halo Infinite project director Chris Lee has left the project after following a delay that will see the next Master Chief adventure released in 2021 instead of this holiday. Lee confirmed the departure to Bloomberg News. In a statement Lee said, “I have stepped back from Infinite and I am looking at future opportunities. I believe in the team and am confident they will deliver a great game and now is a good time for me to step away. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] Lee is the latest top director to depart the project after creative director Tim Longo left 343 in 2019 followed by lead producer Mary Olson. Halo veteran Joe Staten now leads the single-player campaign development, and Pierre Hintze is leading multiplayer. “Chris Lee remains a Microsoft employee and while he has stepped back from Halo: Infinite right now, we appreciate all he has done for the project to date,” Microsoft said in a statement provided to Bloomberg. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/07/23/halo-infinite-9-minutes-of-campaign-gameplay"] Halo Infinite was originally slated to be a launch game alongside the Xbox Series X this holiday, but was delayed until 2021 to further develop and refine the project after a tepid reveal over the summer. However, Xbox Series X boxes still include pictures of Master Chief as part of the original launch plan. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.