NBA The Run: Arcade-Inspired Basketball Comes to PS5 with Playful Action and Global Flair

In the world of sports gaming, there’s a special kind of nostalgia for the fast-paced, high-energy arcade games that once ruled the scene. These weren’t the ultra-realistic simulations we see today—they were about fun, excitement, and endless replayability. Play By Play Studios, led by Scott Probst, aims to capture that spirit with NBA The Run, a new 3v3 basketball game designed for PS5 that brings the joy of arcade basketball to modern players.

The game is about more than just shooting hoops—it’s about creating an experience that’s fast, thrilling, and full of personality. Inspired by the old-school classics that defined the arcade genre, NBA The Run is built to appeal to both casual gamers and hardcore fans, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where players can compete, create highlights, and enjoy every second on the court.

A New Kind of Streetball: Global Courts and Legendary Roster

NBA The Run takes players on a global tour of legendary outdoor basketball courts, from the sun-soaked streets of Venice Beach to the gritty vibe of the Tenement. Each location is alive with music, culture, and energy, creating a dynamic environment that celebrates basketball’s universal appeal.

The game features a diverse roster of players, combining NBA stars with fictional Street Legends—unique characters with bold personalities, outlandish skills, and captivating backstories. These colorful figures add depth to the game, making it not just a competition but a living, evolving universe that grows over time.

Defense as Fun as Offense: A Thrilling Balance

When it comes to gameplay, NBA The Run is all about balance. Defense is no longer a secondary concern—it’s an exhilarating part of the action. Players will find themselves anticipating blocks, making lightning-fast steals, and executing powerful shoves and dives. The defensive system is designed to be skill-based and high-energy, offering a rush of excitement with every well-timed play.

On offense, the game is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Players can execute double alley-oops, pull off posterizing dunks, launch off-the-backboard passes, and break ankles with step-back threes and ankle-breaking combos. The fast, fluid animations are key to creating that signature arcade feel, with smooth controls and hand-keyed animations that keep the action flowing seamlessly from one play to the next.

Fluid, Fast, and Connected: Powered by True Rollback Netcode

One of the standout features of NBA The Run is its true rollback netcode, ensuring smooth, low-latency gameplay across platforms. No more sluggish controls or frustrating lag—this game plays as fast as it looks. With cross-platform compatibility, players can enjoy uninterrupted action, whether they’re playing against friends or opponents from around the globe.

While many modern sports games focus heavily on realism—chasing the perfect simulation of real-world basketball—NBA The Run focuses on feel over realism. The game is designed to let players react instinctively, allowing for creativity and improvisation on the court. This freedom to express yourself in the game creates a unique, energetic experience that’s a departure from the rigid structure of more realistic sports simulations.

Knockout Tournaments: Play, Win, Repeat

At the heart of NBA The Run are the Knockout Tournaments—bracket-style competitions where you can play solo or in squads. Each round lasts between 2 to 5 minutes, featuring randomized rules that keep the gameplay fresh, fast, and unpredictable. From Dunkfest to Speed Round, the ever-changing dynamics ensure that no two matches feel the same.

Winning these tournaments earns you rewards, which fuel your next run, creating a “one more round” loop that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of quick rounds and varying challenges makes every tournament exciting, whether you’re playing alone or with friends.

Style and Personality: A Visual Celebration of Basketball

Visually, NBA The Run embraces a bold, stylized art direction that makes every moment pop. The game’s character models are exaggerated and full of attitude, with vibrant environments and hand-keyed animations that give the game a dynamic, fluid feel. The focus isn’t on photorealism—NBA The Run celebrates impact and expression, turning every dunk, pass, and crossover into a work of art.

Adding to the authenticity is the iconic voice of Bobbito Garcia, the legendary DJ and author known for his contributions to streetball culture. Garcia’s energetic and engaging commentary injects even more personality into the game, making it feel like a true streetball event.

The Next Evolution in Arcade Sports Gaming

While NBA The Run draws inspiration from the arcade classics of the past, it’s not just a nostalgic remake—it’s a reimagining of arcade-style basketball for modern players. With its fast, stylish gameplay, diverse roster, and global basketball culture, the game brings something fresh to the table while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re playing solo or competing with friends, NBA The Run promises endless fun and unforgettable moments.

In the world of sports games, it’s rare to find a title that truly captures the spirit of the game. NBA The Run does just that, offering a fun, exciting, and engaging experience for fans of basketball and arcade games alike. Get ready to step onto the court—basketball has never felt so good.