NBA The Run Review – Fun to Play, Hard to Stay

NBA The Run Review 

From NBA Jam to NBA Street, there’s always been a place for over-the-top, larger-than-life basketball on consoles. With a clear gap in the market for several years, Play by Play Studios aims to fill that void with NBA The Run, a fast-paced online streetball experience that lets you flaunt your skills above the rim. Can this arcade-inspired revival recapture the magic of its predecessors, or does it fall short of greatness?

Matches are fast and frantic affairs, zipping from end to end in an instant. When on the offense, you can pass to teammates, perform tricks and shoot for the basket to give your team the advantage. While individual brilliance can produce highlight-reel moments, NBA The Run is ultimately a team game, and success depends on working together rather than going it alone.

Fast, Frenetic and Fun

Defence is key and definitely tougher than offensive play. You can jockey players, attempt to steal the ball, leap to block a shot or try to nab the rebound and turn the match on its head. Those familiar with arcade renditions of the sport will feel right at home and be able to pick and play in an instant. However, if you’re transitioning from the 2K simulation series, then it can take a while to get used to the pacing and flow of the game.

Similar to NBA Jam, The Run includes a boost system that rewards you for continuous excellent play. Throughout the match, you’ll build your meter and then can initiate ‘In the Zone’. This elevates an ability that your player is renowned for, giving you the advantage for a period of time. Here you can sink three pointers with ease or become a beast at blocking, which can be the catalyst to victory. It’s a balanced mechanic that provides a short boost without feeling cheap. Even when active, you can miss, but the margin is smaller. This adds a layer of depth as you must decide when to activate this in order to make the most of the skill.

While the game manages to capture the excitement and joy of classic titles in the sub-genre, it’s off the court where it fumbles. With only three modes and no offline component, this feels like a huge misstep for a promising title. Luckily, the implementation of a rollback netcode helps to make competitive multiplayer a smooth experience. You can play as part of a squad of three in Knock Out Squads, control the entire team in Knock Out Solos or create a private tournament in Knock Out Friends.

A New Challenge

Match rules vary to make each round of the tournament feel fresh. From bonuses for dunks to getting extra points for alley-oops, these objectives alter your approach to matches. Due to this, you can’t rely on the same tactics every game and are encouraged to adapt your playstyle. Winning earns you in-game currency, which you can spend on cosmetic items that allow you to personalise your player. It’s refreshing to see that purchasable items are only for aesthetics and don’t give any advantages on the court.

Building the right team is important. You must maintain balance, selecting players who have stronger skills in certain aspects of the game to truly compete against others. With a roster of 32 NBA players available, there’s plenty of choice to pick players that complement your team or suit your playstyle. While athletes don’t necessarily feel different on the court, their skills do make a difference when attacking or defending. Even if you’re not familiar with the roster, a quick glance at their stats will clue you up on their abilities and allow you to jump in. This arcade ethos permeates the game, keeping the action brisk, the learning curve gentle, and the focus squarely on fun.

Slick Design

The presentation is fantastic, truly capturing the vibe of street basketball. Rather than opting for a complete cartoon aesthetic, it leans into a comic book-style design that faithfully captures the likeness of players in a vibrant manner akin to NBA Street. Throw in the catchy soundtrack and strong sound effects and you’re on to a winner.

NBA The Run is a fast and fun take on the sport, capturing the arcade energy of its influences. While it shines on the court, the lack of content holds the package back. With no single‑player option, the only way to improve is by heading online and competing against others. The on‑court action may be a slam dunk, but off the court, it throws an airball, missing a major opportunity to broaden its appeal.

***A PS5 code was provided for this review***