The Ringer-Verse

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
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The Boys are back, and they’re all in on ‘Lanterns.’ First, they discuss the potential of Hal Jordan’s powers; then, they speculate on who they think could be the Manhunter; and finally, they discuss how this show differs from the rest of the DC universe.

(0:00) Intro

(00:31) New York Comic-Con Announcement

(8:03) Spoilers ahead

(10:03) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions

(1:08:14) Outro

(1:13:00) Post-credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets
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Ben and Matt James deliver their hands-on impressions of failing to play FromSoftware's 'The Duskbloods' during a disastrous network test, then react to recent news: fresh 'Grand Theft Auto VI' leaks, another live-service snafu for Sony in 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' Dave Bautista's selection as a recast Kratos in Prime Video's 'God of War,' Disney's decision to double down on 'Kingdom Hearts,' and a sequel funded by a mysterious, rich patron. After that, Ben brings on prolific reporter Nicole Carpenter to talk about an epidemic of game cloning, the moral and legal lines between inspiration and imitation, and how the industry's copycat problem pertains to Steam sensation 'Meccha Chameleon,' Roblox smashes 'Grow a Garden' and 'Steal a Brainrot,' and 'Palworld.' Lastly, Ben brings on writer (and doctor) Rany Jazayerli to explain what it's like to give up gaming for decades before finally returning to the fold.

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Duskbloods with Matt James

(10:11) News and More!

(48:31) Nicole Carpenter Joins

(82:31) Rany Jazayerli Joins

Host: Ben Lindbergh

Guests: Matt James, Nicole Carpenter, Rany Jazayerli

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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The Boys return to discuss the first episode of DC’s newest show, 'Lanterns.' They examine the show’s gruffer, jaded version of Hal Jordan, debate whether or not Lanterns can live up to its prestigious time slot on HBO, question if it’s odd to cook for a man who slept with your wife, and so much more!

(0:00) Intro(9:53) Spoilers ahead(21:17) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions(1:18:20) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie YukichAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets
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The Boys are back and they’re giving you all of their thoughts on D23 2026!

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices