NBA The Run could have been so much better if there was more to do. It’s fun to play. The courts looks great. Choosing from the league’s best players is also cool. Yet, despite having some style and fun gameplay, there’s not much to do outside of playing through the same tournament. It doesn’t help that is purely online either. There’s seldom toxicity due to how games are played and presented, but there’re still a lot of players that would rather go against the computer than a bunch of strangers online.
The core concept is simple. 3v3 basketball; one tournament; modifiers for each game; rewards for good performances. There’s a nice range of basketball stars to choose from. Not only that, Play By Play Studios has stayed authentic to each player’s stats, shooting animations, and appearance. I’m a big Steph Curry guy, and while I often played as him for that three-point advantage, it matters little if others have picked him or someone similar. When you have giants like Wemby on the opposition, those threes will be blocked religiously by a good opponent.
Knowing who’s on your team before playing would also help. I played multiple games where the same star was in the squad. Unless I missed it, there’s no way of knowing. Not only that, there’s no way of blocking multiple selection of the same player by the game. Even though it was a little annoying having the same player on your team or on the opposition, playing NBA The Run was always a lot of fun. It’s gameplay is simple and easy to get into. Shoot, pass, tackle, block. The option for fancy dribbling is there by tapping the right analogue stick, but fundamentals are the focus.
If you’re playing with strangers on your team, the risk of supporting selfish dunkers is there. Thankfully, I seldom encountered anyone like that. One way the developers have tried to combat this is to provide different variables to each match. For example, one game might reward dunks with three points as opposed to one point. Other times, three pointers are worth three (shockingly!) and lay-ups just one. Some matches have a goal to get to 21 points, others just 15. Each game is different. Those playing as a team will make sure the strengths of each player are respected.
I got substantial passes from teammates when I played as Steph because he’s a beast from the three-point line. Alternatively, when dunks were worth more, I’d make sure I got the ball to those better suited like Ja Morant or LeBron James. Games offer a balance of strengths among your team, and if selfishness isn’t part of teammates’ gameplan, NBA The Run is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, there’s nothing else outside of playing the same tournament. No solo content means everything is purely online.
By winning games and performing well, you can upgrade different players. Coins are also given for successful runs. The shop has a ton of taunts, banners and badges, clothing, and more. It’s neat for when you want to get your team’s jersey or a new outfit for your favourite player. The Seattle Supersonics gear for Kevin Durant was a particular pick for me. These are your rewards for playing consistently, but after a few tournaments, I was ready to play something else. NBA The Run is a snack and not the main course. Nice for a bit, but you’re left craving more.
The variety of courts look fantastic. Player animations are also pretty great, and likenesses are solid as well, albeit with a cartoonish flare. NBA The Run is great if you don’t mind playing solely online and need something to pass the time for an hour or two. It’s no NBA 2K, but it isn’t trying to be. Gameplay is stripped back in favour of focusing on simple yet fun games. It’s no NBA Street, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing. If more modes and a solo experience existed, I’d be spending much more time with it.