Podcasts about button mash

Ellen Adair and Ben Lindbergh discuss "Charlie Brown's All Stars," grading it on the 20-80 scouting scale. Ellen welcomes Ben, who discusses his lifelong love of "Peanuts" and getting to meet creator Charles M. Schulz! They introduce and summarize the cartoon (8:31) and review the 20-80 scouting scale (11:45) before hearing about Ben's fictional scouting director and real-life experience with the Sonoma Stompers (12:51). With Amount of Baseball (15:35), Ben favorably considers that there is more baseball in this 25 minute cartoon than hockey in six episodes of "Heated Rivalry," and discusses the "Effectively Wild" tradition of dubbing films "baseball movies." Ellen finds this cartoon does the little things right. In Baseball Accuracy (19:31), they discuss the lack of an opposing team and float competing theories, whether it is magical realism charged by Charlie Brown's emotional life, or perhaps baseball ghosts. They also discuss the very long hang time for the ball in the initial sequence, and the implications for Charlie Brown's range. Ellen dives deep into the stats Linus provides, considering them on an imagined per-game basis. They discuss clutch-ness and the power of belief at various levels. In Storytelling (38:20), they discuss various non sequiturs, editing oddities, and the interlude to Snoopy's imaginative plane. They also examine the depiction of various different kinds of baseball fans, and the lack of hustle on Charlie Brown's team, and some inconsistencies in character point of view. An intermission with Ben Lindbergh features his answers to the Nine Things (56:20) , including his choice three baseball players and three baseball moments--no spoilers! Our intrepid scouts return with the Score Tool (1:28:20), enjoying the music provided by the Vince Guaraldi Sextet. In Acting (1:31:40), they discuss the quality of the distinctive charm of the performances, which as a whole are truly creative of a style rather than interpretive of life. Particular shout-out to Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown, Christopher Shea's liquid l's, Sally Dryer's pronunciation of "uniform," and Director Bill Melendez as decades of Snoopy and Woodstock. In the Delightfulness of Catcher Character (1:38:22) the scouts parse a fondness for Schroeder with his excellence as a lovable team leader or helpfulness to his pitcher. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:43:21) offers no announcer, but some discussion of the possible existence of an official scorer. Lack of Misogyny (1:44:26) balances Charlie Brown standing up to a misogynist league policy with the blame for the all-gender ridicule of Charlie Brown landing solely at the girls' feet. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:50:49), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:56:01), Favorite Moment (1:58:11), Least Favorite Moment (2:00:31), Scene That We'd Like to See (2:05:34), and Dreamiest Player and Favorite Performance (2:12:06). Find Ben on Effectively Wild, Hang Up and Listen, Button Mash, and the new Plot Hole or Not Hole on YouTube. The (evergreen) Ella Black episodes of Effectively Wild are 2309-2311. Find Ellen on @ellenadair.bsky.social and @ellenadairg on IG. Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCASTProud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben, Matt James, and Joshua Rivera team up to take on one of the most anticipated video games of the year: 'Resident Evil Requiem,' the ninth mainline entry in the 30-year-old survival-horror franchise. First, they analyze the significance of Sony's shocking closure of Bluepoint Games, and an Xbox leadership shake-up. Then they compare their 'Resident Evil' histories, have an in-depth (but spoiler-free) discussion about how 'Requiem' weaves together different strands of the series, and offer their final verdicts on the game. Email us at ⁠ringerversegaming@gmail.com⁠! Intro (0:00) Patch Notes (3:00) Bluepoint Closure (3:30) Xbox Leadership Changes (10:40) First Thoughts on ‘Resident Evil Requiem' (29:11) Mash or Pass? (1:10:50) Outro (1:16:00) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James and Joshua Rivera Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey! Listen! Ben Lindbergh gets together with three fellow 'Legend of Zelda' lovers—Mothership co-founder Maddy Myers, The Guardian games editor Keza MacDonald, and New York Times reporter Zachary Small—to celebrate the franchise's 40th birthday. First, Ben, Zachary, and Maddy ask Keza questions about Nintendo and ‘Zelda' inspired by her new book about the history of Nintendo, ‘Super Nintendo.' Then, they each share their origin stories as ‘Zelda' players, and the ‘Zelda' games they have personal soft spots for. After that, they draft their favorite Links, world maps, items, bosses, dungeons, songs, and companion characters from across the series. Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Guest intros (00:00)Questions for Keza (11:11)Draft rules (41:27)Beginning of draft (45:34)Draft recap (1:37:29)Goodbyes (1:41:43) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Keza MacDonald, Maddy Myers, and Zachary SmallProducer: Chris SuttonAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman speedrun the month's major gaming news and releases. In Patch Notes, they break down HBO's 'Baldur's Gate' adaptation, layoffs for developers of struggling free-to-play games 'Highguard' and '2XKO,' Sony's latest bid for live-service success with 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' and the highlights of February's PS5 State of Play. Then, in the Minigames section, they share spoiler-free impressions of six recently released games: 'Nioh 3,' Dragon Quest VII Reimagined,' 'Romeo is a Dead Man,' 'Mewgenics,' 'Mario Tennis Fever,' and 'Reanimal,' featuring thoughts on the state of Switch 2 and the debut of a new segment, Only in Video Games.Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com!Intro (0:00)Patch Notes (2:00)'Baldur's Gate' Adaptation (2:22)Layoffs (14:25)'Horizon Hunters Gathering' (26:32)State of Play (34:10)Minigames (44:41)'Nioh 3' (45:38)'Dragon Quest 7' (49:34)'Romeo Is a Dead Man' (53:31)'Mewgenics' (59:31)'Mario Tennis Fever' (1:05:21)'Reanimal' (1:18:44)Outro (1:26:16)Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Wasteland—and farewell, for now! Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan reunite, hug, and hold hands as they discuss the eighth and last episode of 'Fallout' Season 2, "The Strip." First, they share their thoughts on what a season finale should accomplish and whether they found "The Strip" satisfying. Then they catch up with the core characters one more time, break down the hardest-hitting emotional moments, and discuss several loose ends before speculating on the direction of the series in Season 3. After that, Ben chats with 'Fallout' cocreator and co-showrunner Geneva Robertson-Dworet about the finale and the future of the show. Finally, Ben brings on the lead creative designer of 'Fallout: New Vegas,' Obsidian Entertainment creative director John Gonzalez, to talk about how the show handled its source material, the potential and peril of game adaptations, and the finer points of storytelling in open-world games. Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Intro (0:00)Review of the finale (2:14)The Ghoul and House (15:20)Coop and Barb (23:27)Maximus (26:58)Lucy and Hank (35:20)The Vaulties (56:13)Post-credits scene (1:02:37)Interview with Geneva Robertson-Dworet (1:11:19)Interview with John Gonzalez (1:21:20)Outro (1:54:11) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, and John GonzalezProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who says the year is starting slowly? In Patch Notes, Ben and Matt break down the release of hot-button free-to-play shooter 'Highguard,' the latest signs of decline at Ubisoft, and highlights from Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct. Then they go on a Side Quest to discuss Matt's panic purchase of a gaming PC before reaching their Main Quest: spoiler-free recommendations for four indie gems from January (their Game of the Young Year, 'Cairn,' plus 'Mio: Memories in Orbit,' 'TR-49,' and 'Perfect Tides: Station to Station'). After that, they play Mash or Pass with new big-screen adaptation 'Return to Silent Hill.' Finally, Ben brings on gaming YouTube legend Markiplier to discuss his horror adaptation: the self-financed film ‘Iron Lung.' Email us at ringerversegaming@gmail.com! Patch Notes: ‘Highguard' launch, Ubisoft restructuring and Xbox (4:06) Side Quest: Matt James is a PC gamer! (22:08) Main Quest: January Gems (26:32) 'Cairn' (28:53) 'Mio: Memories in Orbit' (40:45) 'TR-49' (43:53) Perfect Tides: 'Station to Station' (45:41)Mash or Pass: 'Return to Silent Hill' (49:03) The Markiplier Interview (01:02:31) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt James and MarkiplierProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You always end up back where you started … and this week Van Lathan ends up back on Button Mash as he and Ben Lindbergh break down the penultimate episode of ‘Fallout' Season 2, “The Handoff.” After sharing their overall review, they consider Steph's backstory, catch up with the core characters, and assess how several storylines could come together in the finale. Along the way, they contemplate Canadian heritage, the Ghoul's accent, and whom they would want with them on a Wasteland journey. Intro (0:00)Reactions to “The Handoff” (6:00)The Ghoul's Accent (14:47)Steph's Backstory (18:06)Betty and Other Wild Cards (26:48)Lucy and Hank (37:46)Coop, Maximus and Thaddeus (52:43)Outro (1:20:02) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Van LathanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sharpened pencils down! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin discuss the momentous, if somewhat scattered, sixth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Other Player." After sharing their overall review, they recap and dissect each of the (many!) main plot threads and character developments, break down the story revelations, and greet a new guest star with a crucial connection to ‘Fallout' lore. They also scrutinize a mini–musical number, speculate about what could be coming in the final two episodes, and react to the announcement of a 'Fallout' reality series. Intro (0:00)‘Fallout' Episode 6 review (1:25)Barb and Coop (3:48)The Ghoul (26:42)Lucy and Hank (43:42)Maximus and Thaddeus (1:00:30)The Vault dwellers (1:08:38)'Fallout Shelter' reaction (1:20:40)Outro (1:26:05) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We need to talk! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin discuss the strong fifth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Wrangler." After sharing their overall review, they recap and dissect each of the main plot threads and character developments, break down the story revelations, and assess the connections to ‘Fallout' lore. They also examine the mystery of who ended the world and probe that puzzle's implications for the rest of the series. Intro (0:00)Overall review of the episode (1:46)Hank catch-up (5:32)What's new with Norm (13:02)Lucy and the Ghoul (27:05)Coop and House (53:20)Outro (1:25:23) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Daniel ChinProducer: Isaiah BlakelyAdditional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viva New Vegas! Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin climb into their T-45 armor to analyze the fourth episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Demon in the Snow." After sharing their overall takes on the episode, they check in on the Vault dwellers, Maximus and the Brotherhood, and Coop/the Ghoul and Lucy and examine how the show's core characters and factions are reacting to the stress of wasteland life. They also reflect on the Brotherhood's lax security, the deathclaw design, and 'Fallout' lore revelations before discussing what they'd like to see in the second half of the season. Finally, Ben talks to Joe Sanabria, the lead artist for 'Fallout: New Vegas,' about bringing the game's look to life, how the Strip translated to TV, and how 'New Vegas' would be different if it were made (or remade) today.Intro (0:00)‘Fallout' Season 2, Episode 4 reactions (2:55)Vault dwellers recap (5:27)Maximus and the Brotherhood (19:45)Coop/the Ghoul and Lucy (33:58)Interview with Joe Sanabria (1:01:11)Outro (1:29:42)Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Daniel Chin and Joe SanabriaProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt James, and Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier start a new save file for 2026! First they sum up the subjects they think will define the year, from 'Grand Theft Auto VI' to the Steam Machine to rising prices to anti-AI sentiments. Then they select their most anticipated games of 2026 in several categories and wrap up with big-picture predictions. Intro (0:00)Big questions about the year (3:45)Most anticipated games (35:34)2026 predictions (1:29:12)Outro (1:41:42) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Jason SchreierProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hot dawg! Ben and Van Lathan suit up to discuss the lore-stuffed third episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Profligate." After sharing their overall review, they check in on Lucy, Coop/The Ghoul, and Maximus, and examine how the episode's themes and plot lines tie together. They also reflect on the merits of talking to dogs, compare and contrast crucifixion methods, break down bathroom conversation etiquette, bemoan anti-ghoul discrimination, and more. Intro (0:00)‘Fallout' Episode 3 recap (6:32)Outro (1:08:27) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Van LathanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel Chin patrol the Mojave and discuss the literally mind-blowing second episode of the second season of 'Fallout,' "The Golden Rule." After sharing their overall review, they assess each of the episode's four main settings and story lines, point out the parallels between characters, and wrestle with this season's accelerated world-building. They also consider whether becoming a ghoul is good, the Golden Rule vs. the Ghoul-den Rule, the likelihood of surviving a nuclear explosion by hiding in a fridge, aliens in 'Fallout' lore, and more. Intro (0:30) Overall review of the episode (03:32) Hank catch-up (06:20) What's new with Norm (13:26) Lucy and the ghoul (18:30) Maximus and the Brotherhood (38:01) Fridge science, 'Fallout' lore, and more (50:00) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Daniel Chin Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt, Steve, and Joshua Rivera recap an eventful year in video games by summing up the overall quantity and quality of games released in 2025, identifying both naughty and nice trends in the industry, and drafting their favorite titles across several categories. (00:00) Intro(3:35) Overall Quality of 2025 Games(8:35) Naughty and Nice Industry Trends(43:32) Games of the Year Draft Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James, Steve Ahlman, and Joshua RiveraProducer: Isaiah BlakelyAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan return to the Wasteland for the first weekly Button Mash breakdown of ‘Fallout' Season 2. First, they recap the premiere and discuss how it sets up the season. Then, Ben talks to Justin Theroux about joining the show in the role of Robert House. Finally, Ben brings on Polygon senior editor Chris Hayner for a primer on the game that inspired much of this season, ‘Fallout: New Vegas.' Intro (0:00)'Fallout' Season 2 premiere recap (11:56)Interview with Justin Theroux (52:13)Inside 'Fallout: New Vegas'—the game behind the season (1:00:33) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Justin Theroux, and Chris HaynerProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Matt James share their instant reactions to gaming's annual awards show/trailer fest! First they discuss the dominance of ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,' Matt's experience attending the show in person, and the award winners that made them happiest and saltiest. Then they count down their respective top 10 lists of exciting announcements about upcoming games. Intro (0:00)Reactions to the Game Awards (2:20)Top 10 highlights (18:36)Outro (1:01:26) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After stepping inside Samus's visor for the first time in years, Ben and Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio compare notes on the much-anticipated ‘Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,' a great game grafted onto parts of other, less-good games. In their spoiler-lite chat, they puzzle over the game's discordant elements, praise its strengths, and analyze how it fits into the franchise's lineage before assessing the Switch 2's launch-window lineup now that Nintendo has released its last title of 2025. Then Jessica Clemons joins Ben to discuss their impressions of a new beat-'em-up brawler, ‘Marvel Cosmic Invasion,' and a new video game movie that's been beaten up by critics, ‘Five Nights at Freddy's 2.' Intro (0:00)‘Metroid Prime 4' Overview (3:00)'Marvel Cosmic Invasion' Review (1:06:34)Reactions to ‘Five Nights at Freddy's 2' (1:39:49)Outro (1:56:47) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Giovanni Colantonio and Jess ClemonsProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back after a holiday break with a jam-packed new episode! This week we are joined by Dmitry Minsky of the Lithuanian game studio Button Mash. The demo of their upcoming typing battle royale game, Final Sentence, has been making waves on Steam for its unique premise and addictive gameplay loop. Dmitry goes into the many failed projects it took before finding success, the importance of keeping a game idea "on freeze" for the right time, and how many hours there REALLY are in a day. Featuring DnB music from Baychimo!LINKS:

Ben brings on Simon Carless of GameDiscoverCo and Morgan Park of PC Gamer to explain the success of some of the most popular games released this year that haven't previously been discussed on the podcast: surprise Steam sensations ‘R.E.P.O.,' ‘Schedule I,' ‘Peak,' ‘Megabonk,' ‘Escape From Duckov,' and ‘RV There Yet?' They break down how unknown PC games go viral, how long their time in the spotlight usually lasts, and what these huge hits have to teach us about the gaming landscape in 2025. Intro (0:00)Steam sensations speedrun (11:52)Outro (1:17:15) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Simon Carless and Morgan ParkProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben is joined by Kotaku's Claire Jackson and Zack Zwiezen as they react to the just-announced nominations for the Game Awards (focusing on the Game of the Year candidates, the record number of nominations for ‘Clair Obscur,' and the debate about the definition of “indie”) and then break down the industry implications, player considerations, and AI ramifications of the competition brewing among a trio of online-multiplayer powerhouse shooters: ‘Battlefield 6,' ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 7,' and ‘ARC Raiders.' Intro (0:00) The Game Awards nominations (3:23) The first-person shooter showdown (22:10) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Claire Jackson and Zack Zwiezen Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh, Jomi Adeniran, and Daniel Chin discuss news surrounding a few coming attractions—another 'Grand Theft Auto VI' delay, trailers for 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' and 'Fallout' Season 2, and Valve's announcement of a new Steam Machine—before breaking down the highs and lows of hit episodic superhero adventure game 'Dispatch' (including one spoiler-ish interlude about Jomi's forlorn electronic love life). Then Ben talks to 'Dispatch' creative director Nick Herman and narrative director Pierre Shorette about how the game got made, all the ways it could have turned out differently, and fan horniness. Finally, Ben brings on Game File writer/reporter Stephen Totilo to discuss the fifth birthday of the current console generation, assess why it's widely perceived as disappointing despite a plethora of great games, and forecast the future of gaming. Intro (0:00)Video game news (3:16)'Dispatch' reactions (26:34)Jomi's spoiler interlude (37:58 - 42:20)Interview with Nick Herman and Pierre Shorette (55:09)Five Years of PS5 and Xbox With Stephen Totilo (1:39:25)Outro (2:32:00) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Jomi Adeniran, Daniel Chin, Nick Herman, and Pierre ShoretteProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an Xbox ... episode of Button Mash! First, Ben Lindbergh and Matt "The Matt-ster Chief" James breaks down what the upcoming multi-platform remake of the original 'Halo' portends for the future of Xbox. Then, they stick with the theme by sharing their spoiler-free reactions to two new Xbox-published multiplatform games, 'Ninja Gaiden 4' and 'The Outer Worlds 2.'Intro (0:00)The Future of Xbox (1:46)'Ninja Gaiden 4' and 'The Outer Worlds 2' Reactions (25:18)Outro (1:09:13)Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Matt James banter about the big launch by ‘Battlefield 6' and share their spoiler-free impressions of three noteworthy recent releases in an overloaded gaming month: ‘Absolum,' ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A,' and ‘Keeper.' Then Ben and Arjuna Ramgopowell discuss how and why they revisited, and finally completed, an N64 cult classic that has haunted them for a quarter of a century: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.' Intro (0:00)New releases: 'Absolum,' ‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A,' and 'Keeper' reviews (2:40)‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask' revisited (44:20)Outro (1:30:06) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James and Arjuna RamgopowellProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt James, and Justin Charity break down the bombshell news about Electronic Arts being sold for $55 billion, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass price hike, and the showdown between ‘Battlefield' and ‘Call of Duty.' Then Ben, Matt, and Daniel Chin share their spoiler-free reviews of the new spiritual sequel to ‘Ghost of Tsushima,' the PlayStation 5 exclusive ‘Ghost of Yotei.' EA is being acquired (01:43) Microsoft Xbox Game Pass price increase (14:04) 'Call of Duty' vs. 'Battlefield' (28:29) 'Ghost of Yotei' reactions (35:58) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Matt James, Justin Charity, and Daniel Chin Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Rob Mahoney head back to the House of Hades for an in-depth (but spoiler-free) discussion of ‘Hades II,' in which they explain how Supergiant's sequel to ‘Hades' somehow improves upon its near-perfect predecessor. Then Steve Ahlman arrives to react to ‘Silent Hill f,' the recent ‘Silent Hill' series resurgence, and the first trailer for ‘Spider-Man' maker Insomniac's next Marvel game, ‘Wolverine.'Intro (0:00)First Thoughts on 'Hades II'  (2:54)'Silent Hill f' Reactions  (50:46)Marvel's 'Wolverine' Trailer (1:19:14)Outro (1:31:35)Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Rob Mahoney and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James enter the vault to round up recent news on game adaptations (including 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' big-screen 'Call of Duty,' and live-action TV series 'Tomb Raider') and share their spoiler-free reviews of Gearbox's 'Borderlands' comeback, 'Borderlands 4.' They close by delivering their final verdicts on the difficulty and quality of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong.' Intro (0:00)'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' and adaptation news (5:37)'Borderlands 4' reactions (23:23)'Hollow Knight: Silksong' follow-up (57:39)Outro (1:15:54) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a (silk)song in Ben's heart as he brings on Matt James to share their reactions to one of the most anticipated games of the past several years: 'Hollow Knight: Silksong.' In a largely spoiler-free discussion after roughly 60 combined hours spent exploring the land of Pharloom, they consider what made 'Hollow Knight' and its sequel such sensations, how the hype for 'Silksong' grew, how the new game retains and tweaks the original's formula, whether 'Silksong' is too hard, and whether it lives up to unrestrained expectations. Intro (0:00)'Hollow Knight: Silksong' Reactions (3:00)Outro (1:13:04) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben places a codec call to Steve Ahlman and Matt James to review the new remake of 'Metal Gear Solid 3.' First, they discuss a deluge of upcoming sequels (including 'Hollow Knight: Silksong') and react to the latest indication that the console wars are over, hardware price hikes, and comebacks by two venerable ninja-centric series. Then they discuss how 'MGS3' holds up, how the remake alters the original, and the post-Kojima future of the franchise, before recommending indie gem 'Sword of the Sea.' Finally, Ben has a (mostly spoiler-free) chat with 'Twisted Metal' showrunner/writer Michael Jonathan Smith about how he conceived of the first two seasons, depicting the titular tournament in a bigger-budget Season 2, drawing on 'Twisted Metal' lore, the show's cast and comedic tone, and his vision for a third season. Intro (0:00)'Metal Gear Solid 3.' Review (23:00)Interview with Michael Jonathan Smith (1:09:13)Outro (1:41:14) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Steve Ahlman, Matt James and Michael Jonathan SmithProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben recruits game journalists (and ex-coworkers) Chris Plante, Maddy Myers, and Joshua Rivera to draft the greatest games featuring Mario, in honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of 'Super Mario Bros.' First, they share their origin stories as Mario gamers, discuss what makes the character so versatile, and speculate on what Nintendo might announce for the franchise's big birthday. Then they select the all-time greatest (and weirdest!) Mario-centric releases across several genres.Intro (0:00)'Super Mario Bros.' 40th anniversary draft (24:55)Outro (1:47:20)Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Chris Plante, Maddy Myers, and Joshua RiveraProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, Rob Mahoney, and Daniel Chin press F to pay respects to the finest video games of the 2000s (so far), making five picks per person in a knock-down, drag-out draft of 25 stone-cold classics. Intro (0:00)25 Greatest Games of the Quarter Century Draft (11:00)Outro (1:43:23) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, Rob Mahoney, and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Jessica Clemons begin with a roundup of game adaptation news, covering the ‘Mortal Kombat II' trailer, Netflix's live-action ‘Assassin's Creed' series, the ‘Legend of Zelda' casting announcements, and an apparent animated ‘Donkey Kong' movie. Then they dive deep (both in game and on mic) into new Nintendo masterpiece ‘Donkey Kong Bananza,' touching on the history of the Donkey Kong character, the lineage of Nintendo 3D platformers, what makes the latest game great, why the Switch 2 sorely needed it, and what's next for Nintendo and its new, hot-selling system. Intro (0:00)Game adaptation news: 'MKII,' 'Zelda,' 'Assassin's Creed' (3:30)'Donkey Kong Bananza' reviews (28:34)Outro (1:31:15) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Jess ClemonsProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan huddle up to discuss ‘EA Sports College Football 26,' the sequel to last year's bestselling comeback for the ‘College Football' franchise, focusing on the depths of Van's obsession, the series' transition to an annual release schedule, and whether college basketball games will be the next to return. Then, Ben, Van, and Devon Renaldo discuss ‘Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4,' the best ‘THPS' games, and gaming as a gateway to skating (32:50). Finally, Ben catches some air with the titular Tony Hawk, the skating/gaming legend, who weighs in on his ‘THPS' history and the future of the franchise (62:03). Intro (00:00) ‘EA Sports College Football 26' (09:30) College basketball games (24:28) ‘Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4' with Dev and Van (32:50) Interview with Tony Hawk (62:03) Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Tony Hawk and Van Lathan Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Justin Charity have a spoiler-free discussion about Hideo Kojima's acclaimed PlayStation 5 sequel to 2019's 'Death Stranding,' 'Death Standing 2: On the Beach.' Then, after their brief reaction to casting news about the upcoming 'Street Fighter' film, Matt James joins to reflect on the year in gaming. The two construct joint top-10 lists of his and Ben's favorite games of the year so far, as well as their most anticipated games for the rest of 2025. Intro (0:00)‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach' Spoiler-Free Impressions (3:53)Reactions to ‘Street Fighter' Casting News (46:22)Game of the Year So Far + 2025 Hype List (56:05)Outro (1:43:22) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Justin Charity and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Matt put down their Pro Controllers long enough to react to a landmark weekend in gaming. First, they discuss the launch of Nintendo's Switch 2, their at-home experiences with the system, and whether it's worth getting now. Then they share their thoughts on ‘Mario Kart World'—as a sequel to one of the bestselling games of all time, as a reinvention of the franchise, and as a Switch 2 launch title and system seller. Then they break down the top trends and announcements from gaming's summer showcase season, including PlayStation's State of Play, Summer Game Fest, the Xbox Games Showcase, and more. Intro (0:00)Reactions to the Switch 2 (2:23)First thoughts on ‘Mario Kart World' (34:15)Highlights from summer showcase season (55:08)Outro (1:23:37) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt, and Steve party up for a three-person podcast about a three-player game! First, they discuss what the cancellation of Electronic Arts' Black Panther project portends for the future of superhero games and Triple-A licensed games. Then they have a spoiler-free discussion of FromSoftware's fascinating 'Elden Ring' spinoff experiment, 'Nightreign,' focusing on its difficulty, its genre-spanning appeal, and its technological drawbacks. After that, they react to the news that Alex Garland is writing and directing an A24-produced 'Elden Ring' movie and try to figure out what the adaptation could look like, before honoring 'Mission: Impossible' by identifying other major media properties that historically have been the most underserved by video games. Intro (0:00)Black Panther + Game Cancellations  (2:40)Reactions to 'Elden Ring Nightreign' (11:13) 'Elden Ring' Movie Predictions Most Underserved Franchises in Video Games (56:46)Outro (1:16:48) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer-Verse listeners let Ben and Daniel live, and they don't waste it! First, they give their reviews of Season 2, Episode 7, "Convergence," and then they break down the episode's departures from and additions to the game before assessing the season as a whole. Then they forecast when to expect Season 3 and what it could look like, and they conclude by answering audience emails. Intro (0:00)Reactions to Episode 7 (3:50)Season 3 Predictions (1:10:00)Audience Emails (1:28:13) Outro (1:40:50) Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel "do it all over again." First, they give their reviews of Season 2's penultimate 'TLOU' episode, "The Price," and then they break down the episode's departures from and additions to the game.  Then they speculate about what could be coming in the season finale and beyond. Finally, Ben talks to Chris Rondinella, the musician who performed "Future Days," "Take On Me," and other songs in 'The Last of Us Part II,' about how he played Joel and Ellie. Intro (0:00) Reactions to Episode 6 (4:24) Interview with Chris Rondinella (1:19:08) Outro (1:32:59) Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel ChinGuest: Chris RondinellaProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt, and Steve share their (non-spoiler-y) impressions of the new first-person shooter 'Doom: The Dark Ages,' focusing on the ever-evolving nature of the franchise, whether the series' latest experiments improve upon its tried-and-true formula, how they'd rank the three most recent 'Doom' games, and more. Then, Ben brings on video game writer and screenwriter Tom Bissell, who wrote the three-part finale of 'Andor,' to talk about the 'Andor' writers room; working within story constraints and established universes; tying the finale to 'Rogue One'; the future of 'Star Wars' and IP storytelling in the aftermath of 'Andor'; 'Andor' as a video game; the differences between writing for TV and video games; his work on 'Uncharted,' 'Gears of War,' 'What Remains of Edith Finch,' and 'Masters of Doom'; Hollywood's appetite for video game adaptations; and more. Intro (0:00)Reactions to 'Doom: The Dark Ages' (2:30)Interview with Tom Bissell (35:35)Outro (1:41:53) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman, Tom Bissell, and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel got here from Jackson just in time to talk about Episode 5, "Feel Her Love." They discuss the specifics of the action and the pivotal closing scene, then pull back a bit to comment on how the effort to adapt the game is going before forecasting what could be coming next. Then, Ben talks to longtime Naughty Dog game developer Almudena Soria Sancho, lead animator on 'The Last of Us Part II,' about her thoughts on the 'TLOU' adaptation, bringing the Stalkers and other infected to life, perfecting performance capture, the advantages and drawbacks of film and TV versus video games, what she's most looking forward to seeing the rest of this season and next season, and more. Intro (0:00)Reactions to Episode (3:50)Interview with Almudena Soria Sancho (1:05:50)Outro (1:32:18) Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel ChinGuest: Almudena Soria SanchoProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel pass the halfway point of the second season as they visit Seattle and take on Episode 4, "Day One." After sharing their brief reviews of the episode, they discuss several significant changes to core characters and scenes from 'The Last of Us Part II' before wrapping up with some speculation about the structure of the remainder of the season (and beyond). Intro (0:00)Episode 4 breakdown and reactions (2:30)Predictions for the rest of the season (40:00)Outro (54:43) Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt, Jomi, and Steve join forces for an emergency reaction to the second trailer for ‘GTA VI' and the newly announced details about the game's plot, characters, and setting. First, they share their thoughts on how the trailer affected their overall levels of hype for the game, and then they run through some of the highlights, new revelations, and questions they still have before analyzing the impact of the game's delay to May 2026. Intro (0:00) Reactions to ‘Grand Theft Auto VI' trailer (3:14)Character rundown and gameplay speculation (26:53) Potential setbacks from release delay (48:18) Outro (1:08:00) Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel get back on the horse and hit the road to a new destination: Episode 3, "The Path." They share their high-level reviews of the episode, consider the significant differences between how the game and show handled the aftermath of Episode 2's momentous events, and speculate about what those departures from the source material—and a notable non-departure from Jackson—might mean for the rest of the season and series. Intro (0:00)Ben and Daniel react to Episode 3 in the aftermath of Episode 2 (3:00)Key differences in gameplay vs. the show (7:50) Predictions for the rest of the season (48:25)Outro (1:07:55) Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel ChinProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our cup runneth over with role-playing games, so Ben and Matt James party up to tag-team two new titans of the genre. After opening banter about Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI' timing, they profess their love (in spoiler-free fashion) for the new hit RPG ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' and explain why the debut game gives them hope for the industry. Then they share their impressions of the recently released RPG behemoth ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered' and discuss the difference between remasters and remakes and the proper approach to modernizing old games. Intro (0:00)Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI' updates (3:25)First thoughts on ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' (13:39)‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered' impressions (53:50)Outro (1:18:18) Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Mint Edition and Button Mash crossover, the guys talk all things Nintendo Switch 2! Later, the guys get into the latest video game to movie adaptation, 'Until Dawn' and more (31:00). Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman Guest: Ben Lindbergh Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Sunday's major moment compare to the video game version? Did [redacted] hit as hard the second time around? And what might some significant changes from ‘The Last of Us Part II' portend for the rest of the season? Ben and Daniel break down the big twist and the consequential second episode's other developments from a ‘TLOU' player's perspective. Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Daniel Chin begin their weekly Button Mash breakdowns of 'The Last of Us' Season 2 from the perspective of longtime 'The Last of Us' players. First, they describe their experiences with the games, recap the biggest changes Season 1 made to the original 'The Last of Us,' and discuss why 'The Last of Us Part II' poses a greater adaptation challenge. Then they analyze the most significant changes to the story and structure of 'TLOU2' in the first episode of the show's second season, before speculating about what those differences might signify for Episode 2 and beyond. WARNING: spoilers for 'The Last of Us Part II.' Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Daniel Chin Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben brings on Steve Ahlman and Jomi Adeniran to break down the box office phenomenon that is 'A Minecraft Movie': the memes, the theatrical experience, and, yes, the movie itself. Then, after Ben and Jomi rant about being betrayed by the Season 4 finale of 'Mythic Quest' (00:52), Van Lathan and Jessica Clemons come on to discuss the new Deep South–set Xbox adventure 'South of Midnight' (45:47). Finally, Matt James joins to rave about (but not spoil!) the new best-reviewed game of 2025: indie darling 'Blue Prince' (1:18:00). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Steve Ahlman, Jomi Adeniran, Jessica Clemons, Van Lathan, and Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Matt James dissect all the news from Nintendo's long-awaited full unveiling of the Switch 2, from the announcements on the Nintendo Direct livestream to the in-person, hands-on event that Ben attended. First, they give their verdicts on whether the much-hyped Nintendo Direct fulfilled expectations. Then, they list their likes and dislikes from the day of reveals and demos, in addition to discussing some lingering unknowns. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guest: Matt James Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Jessica Clemons, and Arjuna Ramgopal get their 16th-century stealth on as they share their spoiler-free impressions of the highly anticipated, high-stakes sequel that brings the ‘Assassin's Creed' franchise to feudal Japan. They discuss what's new, what's not, what works, and what flops about the long-awaited title, as well as why its success is so vital to the future of beleaguered developer/publisher Ubisoft. Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Jessica Clemons and Arjuna Ramgopal Producer: Devon Renaldo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman step into their simulators and share their spoiler-free reviews of Hazelight's latest co-op opus, ‘Split Fiction.' After discussing the highs and lows of the genre-bending adventure, they name their all-time favorite local co-op games (01:28). Finally, Ben talks to Hazelight founder and ‘Split Fiction' director Josef Fares about the new game's development, the keys to co-op success, the future of gaming, and more (01:00:29). Host: Ben Lindbergh Guests: Josef Fares, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices