NBA The Run

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. It’s also nice to see that all the money you get via playing won’t go to waste. The game’s shop is full of all kinds of accessories and items you can use to fully customize your character. So yes, there’s always a reason beyond how you look, the way you enhance everything, and how it all flows together. Even if you’re not someone who plays NBA 2K or any major basketball game, I think you’ll have a great time here, because the game is very easy to pick up and learn. It’s fun, intense, and it will certainly push your limits, while also being fair.

NBA The Run is nearly everything I’ve wanted in a modern-day street basketball game. With a strong foundation now in place, Play by Play Studios has a real chance to make it the arcade basketball game players have been waiting over a decade for.

NBA THE RUN accomplishes Play by Play Studios' goal of providing NBA Street to modern gamers. This is accomplished by setting the game up as a battle royale while keeping the gameplay completely similar to its predecessors. Taking this style of game online with real NBA players may actually bring players over from 2K who are looking for something different. What really helps is that it's only $30, and while most battle royales are free, every cosmetic is paywalled. Nothing is paywalled here, but it does require time investment. That time will go by quickly, though. The game plays and looks great, but just has a few quirks that could use some adjustment, such as game speed and dunk distance. While more content will come, much like a battle royale starting out, there's really only one thing to do. If 2K is too much for you and you just want to play some basketball, this is it.