NBA The Run, developed by Play by Play Studios, aims to be a spiritual successor to the beloved EA Sports Big NBA Street franchise. The game delivers on its arcade-style 3v3 streetball gameplay, offering a blend of flashy moves and strategic depth that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players. Its core experience revolves around knockout tournaments, playable in both solo and squad modes.
The roster features over 32 NBA stars and 5 unlockable fictional streetball legends. Each player's kit feels authentic, with distinct strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Stephen Curry can hit three-pointers from anywhere but is easily blocked, while Victor Wembanyama, considered a top player, can be forced into difficult jump shots if kept away from the paint. These considerations are crucial when building a team, and the game's dynamic rulesets add an engaging layer to the metagame.
Every match in NBA The Run begins with randomized rules, injecting a sense of balance and encouraging players to jump into "one more game." Examples include Triple Threat, where three-pointers are worth three points and other shots one, and Dunkfest, which emphasizes dunks. This system, however, can be hindered by inconsistent teammates who may not play towards the current objective, highlighting the benefit of playing with friends who understand team composition and strategy.
Despite potential issues with human or bot play, the game offers smooth online matchmaking thanks to its focus on speed and rollback netcode. However, this emphasis on online play means the game is entirely online; there is no story mode or create-a-player option. The fictional legends, while rewards for gameplay, lack context or lore, making them feel like mere grind objectives.
The most significant drawback of NBA The Run is its lack of couch multiplayer. While local multiplayer is less common today than in the past, its absence is a disappointing omission for an arcade sports title.
NBA The Run compensates for its shortcomings with a high level of detail that celebrates streetball culture. The gameplay, art style, and presentation, complete with commentary from DJ Bobbito Garcia, create an authentic atmosphere. The passion for the sport is evident, and the developers have stated plans for ongoing updates rather than annual releases. This suggests that many of the current limitations may be addressed post-launch. As it stands, NBA The Run is a solid arcade basketball experience for those content with exclusively online play, but it remains too barebones for a wholehearted recommendation.