NBA The Run Reviews
NBA THE RUN is a fun, arcade basketball game, and for players who are unable to grasp the complex mechanics of the mainstream NBA titles, it serves as an entry point for them to learn the basics and prepare for the main event. It tones down the mechanics but keeps things interesting with solid gameplay mechanics and a roguelike approach to its main gameplay mode. While it is fun in a lot of ways, it also lacks in a lot of ways. Missing out on single-player or even a couch co-op mode is a big disappointment. If you are looking for a fun, simple, but online basketball game, NBA THE RUN can offer hours of fun with its dynamic rules and cool visuals, but if you want something offline, you are best to hold out for a bit.
NBA THE RUN is a classic instance of style over substance, but that’s not to say it’s totally bereft of the latter. There’s a lot of game to wrap your palm around, it’s just stuck behind the same online infrastructure that so many other games are. Generally, it’s fine, and Play By Play have such a good opportunity to fill it out more with a solid launch and attentive follow-up to make these issues worth the trouble. I’ll return to it as much as I want, but I’ll need to see the value and reasoning for doing so.
NBA The Run is an extremely addicting return to 3v3 streetball. With its easy-to-use controls and stylish gameplay, it is a perfect title to just pick up and play when the mood catches you. It's a bit of a letdown that there are no true single-player offerings, but that is easy to forgive when you're having such a blast.
Play by Play Studios has built a strong foundation in NBA The Run, and if the team keeps listening, expanding the roster, and building out the community, the future of this franchise is bright.