Back to the Court: NBA The Run Heading to Another Playtest
NBA The Run, an arcade-style 3v3 streetball game, is gearing up for another playtest following positive feedback from a recent closed beta that led to improvements in animations, dunk distance, and player movement.
My most memorable and beloved games from the PSP era were FIFA Street and NBA Street Showdown. These two games gave someone like me—who enjoys sports casually—an experience that was far more casual, arcade-like, and fast-paced compared to the full simulation versions we know. And while we still get full soccer and basketball games every year with AAA budgets, street sports games were pushed aside and eventually somewhat forgotten. But now it looks like we might be heading toward a renaissance with NBA The Run, which brings basketball back to the streets.
NBA The Run was already revealed a few months ago with a small teaser that didn't get much attention, but in recent weeks we've received more information and gameplay demonstrations, and it seems the game is starting to gain momentum. This is a much smaller and faster game with three-player teams and a heavy emphasis on exaggerated tricks in pure Streetball fashion, in the style of NBA Jam and Playgrounds. The recent trailers released for the game got me really excited, and now we're getting information about an upcoming playtest after a closed beta was held recently. While we don't know much about the beta, the development team said the feedback they received was overall positive, but there are changes they're now making based on the information they got from players—such as improvements to animations, changes to the distance from which you can dunk, and how players move and look. Players will be able to experience all the changes that were made and try the game in a playtest taking place this upcoming weekend, and you can sign up for it via this link.
As of now, NBA The Run has not received a release date but is expected to launch this year.