By Slam dunk
While we hold great admiration for numerous sports simulations available today, we long for the arcade titles from the past.
NBA Jam, NFL Street, SSX Tricky – former generations were home to a variety of different pick-up-and-go sports games, most of which have faded away.
NBA The Run is revitalizing that experience.
Scheduled for release in 2026 on the PS5, this arcade-inspired basketball game assures “hand-crafted animations and silky smooth controls” all as part of an experience that’s simple to pick-up-and-play.
“Every possession feels like a highlight reel,” creative director Michael Young shared on the PS Blog. He is a past EA Sports veteran who has contributed to numerous franchises, including FIFA Street.
The game will merge real-life NBA stars with an imaginative (and growing) selection of Street Legends, each possessing their distinct narratives. Players will challenge each other on courts globally in accessible and infinitely replayable matches.
The developers aim to make defensive maneuvers equally enjoyable as offensive plays, so anticipate gigantic blocks to be just as gratifying as your double alley-oops.
The game will also incorporate rollback netcode, guaranteeing a seamless online multiplayer experience, with crossplay enabled.
The primary game will adopt a three-on-three setup, and you can decide if you wish to control all players in your team, or collaborate with friends in a group.
Games will have randomized rules, requiring you to adapt your tactics on the go.
“At its core, NBA The Run is about connection through competition — fast-to-fun gameplay and unforgettable experiences,” Young concluded.
Needless to say, whenever arcade sports are involved, we’re always thrilled.
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy boasts over 15 years of experience examining the realm of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an authority on PS Studios and industry topics, along with sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he finds the time to devote to them, and is somewhat of a gacha enthusiast.