The Ringer-Verse

‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer,’ ‘Ace Combat 8,’ and ‘Gears of War: E-Day’ Reactions | Button Mash 02.10.2026 1h 39m

Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman marvel at how many good games are coming out in quick succession and wonder whether this is the best week ever for Button Mash material. Then they share their extensive, spoiler-free impressions (and rankings) of three big, brand-new releases: ‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer,’ ‘Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve,’ and ‘Gears of War: E-Day.’ (0:00) Intro(7:42) ‘Star Wars: Galactic Racer’(45:04) ‘Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve’(1:10:37) ‘Gears of War: E-Day’(1:36:18) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Sinestro the Key to Unraveling the Biggest Mystery in 'Lanterns'? 01.10.2026 19m

The Ringer's Daniel Chin is here to breakdown Thaal Sinestro in HBO's latest DC series, 'Lanterns.' Starting with the basics, Daniel will dive into who the iconic Green Lantern villain is, what his relationships to key characters are, and what his role could be in the season finale. (00:00) Intro(01:51) Who is Sinestro?(04:40) What is Sinestro’s relationship with Hal Jordan?(09:01) What is Sinestro’s relationship to the Green Lantern Corps?(12:49) Season finale speculation Host: Daniel ChinProducers: Steve Ahlman and Carlos ChiribogaEditor: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer-Verse Recommends: September 2026 30.09.2026 1h 49m

"We do not know when it will be safe to go outside. We only know that day is not this day." That's what Ben Lindbergh says to himself when he's working from home, but not when he's in studio to discuss 'Silo' and other recent nerd-culture releases! On this month's Recommends, Ben brings on Alex Kirshner to make the case for 'Silo' as a series worth sticking with, discuss the explosive end of Season 3, and look ahead to the final season. Then Scott Tobias and Keith Phipps join to talk 'Dark Matter' Season 2, share their all-time tier lists of Apple TV sci-fi series, break down 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 4, assess the state of 'Star Trek' as the franchise turns 60, and cover Korean sci-fi epic 'Hope' and, briefly, 'Practical Magic 2.' Finally, Ben recommends 'Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian' and other Disney+ kids' content and muses about the rapid rise and fall of 'The Mandalorian' and live-action 'Star Wars' and MCU streaming series.(00:00) Intro(03:09) Alex joins the show(16:27) 'Silo' spoilers(39:20) Scott and Keith join the show(40:08) Talking 'Dark Matter'(53:00) The Apple TV tier list(72:03) ‘Strange New Worlds’(81:52) The state of ‘Star Trek’(89:02) 'Hope'Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Alex Kirshner, Scott Tobias, and Keith PhippsSenior Producer: Steve AhlmanAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Chat With ‘Lanterns’ Writers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson | The Midnight Boys 29.09.2026 1h 3m

The Boys are back, and they’re bringing you a special episode featuring ‘Lanterns’ writers/producers Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson! Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Guests: Vanessa Baden Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys 28.09.2026 1h 22m

The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into the penultimate episode of ‘Lanterns’ Season 1! They discuss the town dynamics of present-day Rushville, John’s relationship with Hal-ogram, and the color spectrum of Lanterns. (0:00) Intro (5:24) Spoilers ahead (7:35) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 instant reactions (1:17:53) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Control Resonant,' 'Silent Hill: Townfall,' and 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' Reactions | Button Mash 24.09.2026 1h 47m

Three Button Mashers (Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman) break down three old games and three new games! First, they discuss the steps Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft are taking to sustain or restore interest in 'World of Warcraft,' 'Destiny,' and 'Halo,' respectively, and what the announcement of 'World of Warcraft: Forever,' the un-vaulting of legacy 'Destiny 2' content, and the transfer of 'Halo' from Halo Studios to Activision say about the best ways to revitalize beloved but long-in-the-tooth franchises. Then they share their spoiler-free reviews and impressions of Remedy's sequel to 'Control,' 'Control Resonant'; the latest 'Silent Hill' spinoff, 'Townfall'; and Nintendo's new 'Fire Emblem' epic, 'Fortune's Weave.' (0:00) Intro(2:13) Blizzard, Bungie, and Microsoft updates(31:12) 'Control Resonant' (1:06:58) 'Silent Hill: Townfall'(1:26:37) 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave'(1:44:00) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys 21.09.2026 1h 37m

The Boys are back, and they’re ready to jump into ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6! They discuss how DC has changed the model with this show and if they’ll be able to keep it up, as well as John’s outfit choices this episode. They finish by providing their current manhunter rankings! (0:00) Intro (6:20) Spoilers ahead (8:22) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 6 instant reactions (1:33:13) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Check out ‘The Comic Shop’ Kickstarter Page!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheyennethegeek/the-comic-shop-a-mockumentary-sitcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Resident Evil' Reactions | Button Mash 17.09.2026 1h 20m

Ben, Daniel Chin, and Joshua Rivera team up to break down the new 'Resident Evil' movie reboot, cowritten and directed by Zach Cregger. They discuss how the film compares to Cregger's previous work and the preexisting 'Resident Evil' film franchise, where it falls on the horror-humor spectrum, Cregger's approach to adapting the games, the prerelease fan response, whether the movie is better because it's a franchise film, and their favorite set pieces, gags, and Easter eggs. Then, in a clearly indicated closing spoiler section, they briefly share their thoughts on the ending of the movie. (0:00) Intro (3:13) 'Resident Evil' movie breakdown (1:04:14) Honest thoughts on the ‘Resident Evil’ ending (SPOILERS) (1:14:57) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Daniel Chin and Joshua RiveraProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys 14.09.2026 1h 32m

The Boys return to break down the crazy twists and turns of 'Lanterns' Episode 5, and this time they’re joined by special guest Chris Ryan! The guys and CR give their reactions to the big Manhunter reveal, discuss John’s arc as “The One,” theorize about what else can happen in Rushville now that it’s been largely destroyed, and so much more. Finally, they end the show with an update to their possible Manhunter rankings.(0:00) Intro(6:38) Spoilers ahead(9:35) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 instant reactions(1:24:37) Outro(1:27:00) Post-creditsHosts: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanGuest: Chris RyanProducers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Marvel’s Wolverine’ Deep Dive | Midnight Mash 12.09.2026 1h 16m

What is this, a crossover episode? Ben brings on (most of) the Midnight Boys for a second, deeper discussion about Insomniac and Sony's new Wolverine video game for PlayStation 5. Ben, Van, Jomi, and Steve share their spoiler-free reviews and react to the lukewarm critical reception, then discuss how the game integrates Logan lore and steers clear of the X-Men, whether the complaints about the game reflect the limitations of Wolverine's character, the contrast with Insomniac's Spider-Man games, the divide between hardcore and casual gamers, and more. (0:00) Intro(1:45) ‘Marvel's Wolverine’ reviews and reactions(1:13:04) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Chris Thomas and Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nintendo Directs, 'Marvel's Wolverine,' and 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' Reactions | Button Mash 10.09.2026 1h 44m

Ben, Matt James, and Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio unsheathe their adamantium takes as they tackle the week's biggest gaming stories. First, they break down Nintendo's back-to-back Directs and analyze both what was shown and what wasn't: the new look, hybrid gameplay, and November release date of the 'Ocarina of Time' remake; the exciting announcements and continued absences of some of the company's flagship franchises; the Switch 2's upcoming slate; Nintendo's leak problems, and more. Then they give their spoiler-free reviews of Insomniac's much-anticipated Wolverine adventure and explain the game's prerelease controversies and lukewarm reception. Finally, they share their spoiler-free reviews of the 'Witcher'-esque vampire action RPG 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' and assess where it ranks among the best vampire video games. (0:00) Intro(2:03) Nintendo Directs(35:08) 'Marvel's Wolverine' first thoughts(1:04:03) 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' reviews(1:40:47) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Giovanni ColantonioProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RingerQuest: The Encounter at San Veyre! 09.09.2026 2h 3m

Wasting no time at all, the chaotic-but-lovable crew of five adventurers pick right back up where they left off in the last episode. Together they investigate who might be behind the assassin master plan, fail to flirt with women, and might even find themselves at a high society ball! (00:32) Campaign recap (1:10) Act 1: Into the Black Rose Tavern (55:16) Act 2: The Concordance Ball (2:00:43) Outro Directed by: Aleya Zenieris and Steve Ahlman Hosted By: Steve Ahlman Featuring: Charles Holmes, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Jomi Adeniran Audio Producer: Devon Baroldi Production Support: Jacob Cornett, Ryan Todd, Chris Thomas, Scott Lee, and Kevin Cureghian Set Design: Jonathan Ratliff Supervising Producer: Arjuna Ramgopowell Video Production and Editing: Aleya Zenieris and Matthew Ciampa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lanterns’ Episode 4 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys 07.09.2026 1h 36m

The Boys return to recap yet another banger 'Lanterns' episode. The guys discuss the growing rift between Hal and John, question if the guardians can be racist, examine John’s Oedipus complex, and much more. Finally, they end the show with an update to their possible manhunter rankings. (0:00) Intro (3:23) Spoilers ahead (6:00) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 4 instant reactions (1:32:20) OutroHosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' Reactions and Capcom's Career Year | Button Mash 04.09.2026 1h 35m

Ben, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Lewis Gordon get together to ask: How does Capcom keep killing it? First, they run down some recent gaming news, including a lackluster Sony State of Play, a 'GTA'-driven bump in console sales, 'Star Wars Zero Company' maker Bit Reactor's furloughed workforce, the backlash to Nvidia's DLSS 5 AI upscaling tech, and two dubious arguments in legal filings by the major console manufacturers. After that, they share their reviews of 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' and discuss Capcom's incredible run leading up to and throughout 2026, with insights from Lewis's reporting for The Ringer on the company's comeback. Finally, they provide their impressions of two other recent releases, 'Orbitals' and 'Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.' Read Lewis's piece here: https://www.theringer.com/2026/09/03/video-games/how-capcom-cracked-the-code-of-game-development-onimusha-resident-evil-pragmata (0:00) Intro(4:15) Patch Notes(44:35) 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' reviews(1:03:40) Capcom's comeback(1:13:00) 'Orbitals' and 'Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy' impressions(1:29:00) Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Lewis GordonProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Midnight Court: '80s vs. '90s Animated Series With Guest Judge Seth Green! | Midnight Boys 03.09.2026 1h 35m

The Boys return to Midnight Court, and this time they’re debating which era of animated shows had the biggest cultural impact: the '80s or the '90s? It’s Van vs. everyone in this trial of wills, and here to decide which team gave the best argument is special guest judge and cartoon expert Seth Green. (1:14) Intro (2:25) Opening statements (9:09) Cross-examination (53:58) Closing statements (1:07:57) Verdict (1:16:00) Interview with Seth Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanGuest: Seth GreenProducers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RingerQuest: The Adventure Continues! 02.09.2026 1h 36m

The Ringer-Verse is rolling the dice and jumping right back into its previous campaign! After a long journey, our heroes return to the mansion where it all began and discover that a new threat awaits them. They begin on their adventure by finding out who is after O’Daddy Thibodeaux, but they never forget that (1) it’s about the family they make along the way, (2) we all need a hefty queen, and (3) Mal has dark vision.(2:39) Campaign recap(4:38) Act 1: Return to Belvedere Manor(1:07:48) Act 2: Into Veyrholm(1:38:44) OutroDirected by: Aleya Zenieris and Steve AhlmanHosted By: Steve AhlmanFeaturing: Charles Holmes, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Jomi AdeniranAudio Producer: Devon BaroldiProduction Support: Jacob Cornett, Ryan Todd, Chris Thomas, Scott Lee, and Kevin CureghianSet Design: Jonathan RatliffSupervising Producer: Arjuna RamgopowellVideo Production and Editing: Aleya Zenieris and Matthew Ciampa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer-Verse Recommends: August 2026 01.09.2026 1h 55m

Who says the late-summer schedule is slow? First, Ben Lindbergh talks to Ringer contributor Adam Nayman about a trio of recent big-screen releases: 'The End of Oak Street,' 'The Dog Stars,' and 'Coyote vs. Acme.' In addition to those three films, they discuss the summer box office, the year in movies as a whole, and the best live-action and animation hybrid movies. Then, Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin join for an animation roundup as they explore some superhero and 'Star Wars' stories that slipped through the cracks in a month headlined by 'Lanterns,' 'X-Men '97,' and 'Star Wars Zero Company.' They look at 'My Adventures With Superman' Season 3, 'Batman: Caped Crusader' Season 2, 'Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall' and 'Star Wars: Visions Presents—The Ninth Jedi.' Ben concludes with a listener recommendation and a bonus nomination.(0:00) Intro(8:48) ‘The End of Oak Street’(26:57) ‘The Dog Stars’(42:03) ‘Coyote vs. Acme’(58:08) ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Season 3(1:10:01) ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’(1:16:50) ‘Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall’(1:29:47) ‘The Ninth Jedi’(1:47:46) OutroHost: Ben LindberghGuests: Adam Nayman, Jomi Adeniran, and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna RamgopowellStudio Production: Remy Hernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 Instant Reactions | Midnight Boys 31.08.2026 1h 45m

The Boys are back, and ‘Lanterns’ is officially picking up speed. The guys discuss the third episode’s handling of John Stewart’s arc, question how the Guardians pick the right kids, examine Bernadette’s agency in her son’s transformation, and debate whether Hal is just a dickhead. (0:00) Intro (13:30) Spoilers ahead (15:27) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 instant reactions (1:38:49) Outro (1:40:15) Post-credits Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Grand Theft Auto VI' Extended Look Instant Reactions | Button Mash 27.08.2026 1h 11m

Ben, Jason Concepcion, and Jomi Adeniran rendezvous to break down the first official look at 'GTA VI' gameplay via Rockstar's Netflix release of footage from the long-awaited blockbuster. They discuss whether the trailer lived up to the hype, what they learned, and what they're still wondering about with less than three months to go until the game's November 19 release. They also get into gaming's moment in the monocultural spotlight, what a synthesis of 'GTA' and 'Red Dead Redemption' might play like, the recent Cyberleek saga, Rockstar's statement about the leaks, and more. Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Jason Concepcion and Jomi AdeniranProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Star Wars Zero Company' Instant Reactions | Button Mash 26.08.2026 1h 34m

For the Republic! Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman review the new 'XCOM'-meets-'Star Wars' turn-based tactics game, 'Zero Company.' First, they react to announcements and trailers from Gamescom Opening Night Live, and share Matt's experience with FromSoftware Switch 2 exclusive 'The Duskbloods' during its closed-network test. Then, they have an in-depth, spoiler-free discussion about 'Zero Company,' touching on the nuances of its combat system, how their playthroughs differed, where the game ranks on the pantheon of 'Star Wars' games and stories, the quality of recent 'Star Wars' games versus recent 'Star Wars' TV shows and movies, the game genres they'd most like to see a first-ever 'Star Wars' spin on, and more. (0:00) Intro(1:50)  Gamescom reactions(14:28)  'The Duskbloods'(19:34)  'Star Wars Zero Company' reviews(1:31:14)  Outro Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer-Verse

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