“NBA The Run” Review by Nick Navarro
Basketball games have come a long way over the years, some of them sort of stay the same on a yearly basis, but for many players, there has always been something special about the arcade-style experiences that focused on fun rather than simulation. Growing up, I spent countless hours playing the “NBA Street” series on the PlayStation 2, pulling off ridiculous tricks, throwing down impossible dunks, and enjoying a version of basketball that was more about style and excitement than realism. When I first heard about “NBA The Run,” it immediately caught my attention because it seemed like it was trying to bring some of that energy back for a modern audience.
Developed by Play by Play Studios, “NBA The Run” takes professional basketball players out of traditional arenas and drops them into fast-paced online 3v3 streetball matches on courts from around the world. Rather than competing in lengthy five-on-five games, matches focus on quick action, flashy plays, and constant momentum swings. The result is a basketball game that feels refreshing in today’s market, even if it still has some growing to do. Made by a team of eighteen people I was very impressed at how smooth everything feels once the ball is tipped. Player movement is responsive, passing feels sharp, and every possession can turn into a highlight reel moment. Whether I was throwing down a powerful dunk, draining a deep three-pointer, or setting up an alley-oop for a teammate, the gameplay consistently delivered exciting moments. The controls are easy enough to pick up, but there is far more depth beneath the surface than I initially expected.
At first glance, “NBA The Run” looks like a straightforward arcade basketball game, but the number of moves available gives experienced players plenty of opportunities to separate themselves from the competition. Dribble combinations, crossovers, spin moves, and defensive techniques all play important roles in high-level matches. Learning how to chain moves together and anticipate opponents creates a fun way to think strategy that keeps matches from becoming
repetitive. The game’s emphasis on defense deserves praise as well. Many arcade sports games focus almost entirely on scoring, but “NBA The Run” makes defensive plays feel just as rewarding. Timing a huge block, diving for a loose ball, or stealing possession at a critical moment can completely change the momentum of a match. Some of my most memorable moments came from stopping an opponent’s scoring opportunity rather than creating one of my own.
Visually, the game has a distinctive style that helps it stand apart from more traditional basketball titles. It’s not expensive or hyper-realistic, but it’s enough and it works. The presentation captures the energy of streetball while maintaining the recognizable likenesses of NBA players. The courts themselves are also a highlight, with eleven different courts spread across seven locations around the world. Each venue brings its own atmosphere and personality, helping matches feel varied even after multiple play sessions. The roster features roughly thirty to forty NBA players, including several of the league’s biggest names. While there are certainly enough athletes to get started, I couldn’t help but feel that the selection is somewhat limited compared to what I would like to see in the future. The foundation is there, but additional players would go a long way toward increasing variety and giving fans even more options when building their ideal lineup.
Online play is clearly the primary focus, and the game generally performs well in that regard. Matches are quick to jump into, and the tournament structure gives you a reason to keep competing. The rollback netcode helps keep gameplay feeling responsive, which is especially important in a title where timing and precision matter so much. When every crossover, steal, or shot attempt can influence the outcome, smooth online performance makes a significant difference. As much fun as I had, the biggest issue facing “NBA The Run” is simply the amount of content available right now. The core gameplay loop is excellent, but there isn’t a great deal of depth outside of the matches themselves. After spending enough time with the game, I found myself wanting more modes, more progression systems, and additional ways to engage with the experience. This feels less like a fully realized package and more like the first step toward something that could become much bigger over time.
That said, there are reasons to be optimistic. Play by Play Studios has already demonstrated a willingness to listen to player feedback, and that gives me confidence moving forward. Features such as expanded game modes, a larger roster, and potentially even single-player content could significantly enhance the overall package. The groundwork has already been laid; now it is a matter of building on it. It may not be the direct successor to “NBA Street” I was hoping or expecting, with it lacking a hyper-stylish and fantastical presentation, but it still stands strong as its own modern thing. If anything, in some ways, it actually reminds me more of a modern version of “NBA Jam,” emphasizing speed, big plays, and nonstop excitement. Part of me wishes it pushed even further into the over-the-top and stylized direction, but that doesn’t stop it from scratching an itch that basketball fans have been missing for years.
At the end of the day, “NBA The Run” succeeds because the act of playing basketball is genuinely fun. Every match is packed with energy, the mechanics are rewarding to learn, and the arcade-inspired approach helps it stand out in a genre dominated by simulation titles. It may not have the content depth necessary to keep everyone invested for months on end just yet, but the foundation is incredibly promising. If you grew up loving games like “NBA Street,” this is an easy recommendation. It’s already a blast to play, and with continued support, it has the potential to become something truly special.
7/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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