NBA The Run: A Wild Ride or Just Too Sweaty?
Growing up, basketball was one of those sports that brought me joy—not just for the competition, but for the sheer fun of it all. I wasn’t exactly a star player, which eventually led me to step back from the game. The anxiety of letting my teammates down when I was benched weighed on me. But looking back, I realize I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself.
Fast forward to now, and NBA The Run has thrown me right back into those old feelings. This game is a nostalgic nod to the classic 3-on-3 arcade basketball games like NBA Jam and Street, with all the over-the-top moves and wild dunks that you’d expect. Think of it this way: if traditional 2K games are serious basketball simulations, then NBA Street is like the cool, carefree cousin who just came back from a summer road trip, ready to show off some sweet tricks!
But here’s the catch: The Run launched on Steam recently, and while it’s a blast, it throws you straight into the action without much guidance. The default mode, known as “squads,” takes a bit of a chaotic turn. Picture this: six players, each controlling a unique character on the court. You’ve got famous pro players mixed with quirky “street legends” who have their own wild styles. It sounds great until you realize that without coordination, it turns into a mad scramble for the ball, with everyone trying to shoot from half-court. It can be fun if you’re playing with friends, but rolling solo? Not so much. I found myself wishing for a way to communicate with my team—something just feels off about a street ball game that lacks that casual vibe.
That being said, the gameplay is still addictive. While it’s not as straightforward as Jam or as trick-heavy as Street, it finds a nice middle ground. You can pull off dunks, blocks, and steals with just a few button presses, plus there are stamina-draining moves like ankle breakers that allow you to weave around defenders. If you’re feeling creative, you can even use the backboard or an opponent’s face for some slick passes. And the commentary by Bobbito Garcia—who fans of NBA Street will recognize—adds a fun touch to the experience.
However, here’s where it gets interesting: The Run’s focus on online matchmaking and tournaments feels like a mismatch with its playful design. The game encourages flashy plays, but when you’re stuck in a competitive setting, it turns into a race for rank points instead of just enjoying the game. It’s ironic because street basketball is all about having a good time, not about following strict rules. And let’s be real, when you’ve got goaltending and shoves being penalized, isn’t that the opposite of the street ball spirit?
What keeps things exciting is the dynamic win conditions in each match. They throw curveballs at you, like a game where non-three-pointers are barely worth any points. This actually makes scoring dunks easier as players rush to defend the three-point line. It’s a fun twist, but I found myself craving even more bizarre mechanics to spice things up. The team format really emphasizes winning strategies, so while I could try to set up flashy plays, the safer bet often feels like rushing for a dunk.
Luckily, solo mode makes up for some of these frustrations. In a 1v1 format, I’m in control of my whole team, allowing me to strategize and cover weaknesses. I can keep a tall player in the paint for blocks, then dish the ball out for a swish. It feels more like real basketball, and I can take risks without relying on random teammates. Once you get past the initial learning curve—especially since there’s no tutorial—the game becomes a true homage to its inspirations.
That said, I still wish there were a single-player campaign like the classic NBA Street Vol. 2’s “Be a Legend” mode or a create-a-player feature similar to NBA Hangtime. Right now, there’s not much for solo players, and the online focus doesn’t exactly invite casual play. It’s a bit odd to say this about a game designed to be fun, but there’s not really a way to just relax while playing The Run.
In the end, while it offers a frantic and entertaining experience, it still feels like it’s missing the charm of its predecessors. Other arcade basketball games have shown that there’s potential for something bigger and better, and I can’t help but wish The Run could tap into that spirit a bit more.