NBA The Run Reviews
There is no doubt about it, NBA The Run is fun, but I do believe in its current state that replayability and longevity have limited scope. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to engage in online competitive multiplayer, then this won’t be your bag. For hardcore basketball fans, though, you’ll likely love it, and the 3v3 aspect makes it so easy to jump into with friends. Short, snappy matches which are fluid, fun and fast make it a very appealing game. Time will only tell how it carries itself over time with the player base. That said, the developers are listening to feedback and no doubt there will be plenty of additions and tweaks in the future as long as there is demand
NBA The Run plays more like a distant descendant of the NBA Street series than a successor, which isn’t a bad thing.
NBA The Run does its best to make up for what it lacks with a high attention to detail that makes it easy to see the love for streetball culture.
Play by Play Studios' arcade basketball game delivers a strong highlight reel when you're playing with friends.
NBA THE RUN aims to bring the nostalgia of NBA Street to modern gamers with a battle royale twist. But does it deliver or fall flat?
NBA The Run plays a fast and fun game of basketball, but there's not a great deal of depth to keep you coming back time and time again.
NBA The Run is a fast and fun take on the sport, capturing the arcade energy of its influences.
NBA: The Run succeeds as a focused arcade alternative to sports sims, even if some rough edges hold it back from greatness.
NBA The Run belongs to the category of unrealistic, but all the more fun titles. It is built on famous players from the overseas league and short sessions, where you either lose and start over, or win a victory in a micro-tournament. You will not find other game modes here, and the absence of local cooperation and the obligation to have a subscription to online services on consoles are also very frustrating.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
NBA THE RUN feels like a modern version of NBA Streets, and I mean that as a compliment. It has a great arcade gameplay, a curated roster of both street legends and NBA stars, but also some impressive courts. The games are short, but intense, and you’ll find yourself trying to attempt some more.
NBA The Run is just a fun arcade basketball game and we've been itching for a new one for a while. There's room for improvement for sure and the developer is already looking into adding more modes.
NBA The Run is a fun game that’s hampered by stick-thin features. If you can gather some friends who don’t mind spending $30 for a single mode, you’ll have a fun time. Set up a private lobby, let the AI fill in as needed, and have yourself a ball. However, if you’re going into the experience solo, or with two other buds hoping to conquer an online bracket, I must advise against it. The gameplay is terrific, and I have no doubt future iterations (should Play by Play Studios greenlight a sequel) will only improve on this foundation. But NBA The Run, as presently constructed, just doesn’t have the roster depth needed to go the distance. The bright side: There’s always next year.
All things considered, it's safe to say that Play by Play Studios has crafted a product with a strong identity, filling a void longtime fans have felt for over a decade: a hassle-free, arcade-style gaming experience. NBA The Run is an accessible, spectacular title, supported by an excellent online infrastructure. The obvious limitations of its limited content and a progression system that's far too flat and prone to grind prevent it from reaching the absolute pinnacle of the genre, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those hoping for a more nuanced and nuanced structure. Despite these structural rough edges, we're faced with an excellent alternative to the classic "heavyweights" of today's sports games, all at a relatively accessible price.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA The Run had all the makings of a title that could fill a void in a sports niche that once enjoyed great appeal, and perhaps even serve as a successor of sorts. However, an excessive focus on online matches — even resorting to bots to fill teams — ultimately squandered the opportunity to create something fun and truly impressive.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
NBA The Run is a clear attempt to return to the spirit of NBA Street, with an affordable price and plenty of passion from the development team.
Review in Greek | Read full review
NBA THE RUN aporta algo diferente a los videojuegos deportivos, ya que busca ofrecer una experiencia más dinámica y visualmente atractiva sin tener que preocuparse por un sinfín de reglas del juego.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
NBA THE RUN falls with purpose instead of competing head-on with NBA 2K; it's a faster, more digestible option that basks in the glory of street basketball. It is very effective. The responsive controls, varied player archetypes, realistic NBA roster, and fast-paced action offer a strong foundation that's enjoyable to play.
NBA The Run is a project that knows exactly what it wants to be: it isn’t a simulator, nor does it try to be a forced revival of NBA Street, but rather a competitive arcade game that knows exactly what to offer the player: short matches, a fast pace, clutch moments, intuitive controls and solid gameplay, all set against a streetball atmosphere. The game works because it wholeheartedly embraces its limitations: it doesn’t offer immense tactical depth, and it isn’t designed for those who want to devise sophisticated strategies, but rather for those who want to feel instantly at home on the court. The signature moves, the momentum system, the quick tournaments and the variety of set-ups make the experience replayable (it’s a shame there aren’t any proper single-player modes). The game isn’t revolutionary, but it manages to prove that a forgotten genre can be brought back to life if approached with honesty and the right ambition. NBA The Run is an engaging street basketball experience and is the perfect game to play whenever the mood takes you. For those who love the pace, the spectacle and the competitive edge, it’s well worth the price of admission!
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA The Run has the potential to be a spiritual successor to games like NBA Jam or NBA Street, but in practice, it drops the ball just a little too often.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
NBA The Run delivers a fast-paced arcade basketball experience fans wanted for years, but it lacks an offline mode, has limited game modes, and offers few rewards, making it feel incomplete. However, these issues could be easily fixed to greatly improve its long-term value.
Review in Arabic | Read full review