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Quick Look: Nothing But Net: A Playground Basketball Card Game
Designer: Hafiz Printer
Artists: Leo Aquino (Illustration), Katherine Boils (Graphic Design)
Publisher: Printer Ink Games
Year Published: On Kickstarter now! (link at bottom of review!)
No. of Players: 2
Ages: 10+
Playing Time: 20 – 45 minutes.
Find more info HERE.
Foreword:
I was sent a copy of this game during the pre-launch phase of their upcoming Kickstarter campaign (expecting April 2026 – link below). Every now and then I get sent a game by a designer I have worked with in the past, ran in similar circles, or have connected with online. Each of these occasions, I get extra excited to see what they’ve designed – this is such a case. I’ve seen bits and pieces on this project throughout its journey, right back to early concept idea (black and white sketches) of potential design and art, so when I saw that come to life in a concrete and visually solid way, it was a special moment. The art style of this game pairs perfectly with it’s overall feel and the theme of the game.
From the Publisher:
Nothing But Net is a fast-paced, two-player basketball card and dice game that brings the intensity of streetball straight to your tabletop. Draft your offense and defense cards, execute slick plays, and react in real time to your opponent’s moves. Score big, trigger special abilities, and race to 21 points in high-energy, head-to-head action. Quick to learn, full of strategy, and packed with player-driven moments, every game feels like an epic pick-up hoops showdown.
Disclaimer: The publisher provided the prototype copy of Nothing But Net: A Playground Basketball Card Game. The opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.
Review:
Initial Impression/Components:
The game looks and feels great. Using the game box as a “court” and dice tower to set the tone right away on theme saturation was a favourable choice.
Aside from the box that acts as a dice tower, there are sturdy game and score boards, a die, and cards of varying types. The game isn’t overly complex (or trying to be) and is component light. The theme, overall visual appearance and texture of the game are on point for the style of the game. Everything feels tied together nicely.
Favorite:
My favorite component is the box, doubling as a dice tower. My favorite part of the game was the special one-time ability card type, called Bag of Tricks. Each of which contains a powerful single-use ability that you can throw down when you need it most.
Least Favorite:
I think I would have liked to see more options for interaction between players. There are multiple cards that interact with each other (offensive vs defensive) but it didn’t hit as strongly as I wanted it to with a level of strategy and control *Update – this seems to also be improved in the updated rules*. It definitely had a strategic element that wasn’t solely dependant upon chance, but the game overall still has more than a healthy dose residing in the luck department. In fairness, my personal preferences in games tends to be drawn toward low-luck related outcomes. This was additionally true using a die roll to determine a scoring result. While definitely the right choice for the game, it ultimately made the game less a ‘control over your own destiny’ and more ‘may the odds be in your favor’.
Mechanics:
– Dice Rolling
– Deck Construction
– Hand management
– Resource management (I’d say for Energy in advanced rules)
Rules:
The rules had a few areas that needed focus on the copy I received originally last year. I passed on that feedback to the designer who let me know the rules I received were still in progress and the changes I suggested would be considered – they later got back to me with an updated ruleset (link below) that included some gameplay improvements as well as some edits I suggested. Not going to lie, that felt good to see. As a disclaimer, there were some noticable improvements in the updated ruleset so keep that in mind when you read this review that it was when playing a previous, less refined version. I saw the added advanced rules section, for example, that I’m betting adds a really interesting layer to the game and gives players more control – that as well as the starting hand update.
The game is quick to play and setup. Players of any age and skill level are able to approach and enjoy it. In short, this two-player game is a contest in which players take turns on offense and defense to try and score points. Points are earned through successful throws (not blocked or cancelled) that also have a successful roll of the die. The first to 21 points wins the game.
Check out the current ruleset via the link below.
Areas they did well:
– quick set up and packing
– quality components
– thematic tie-in
– balancing of points through catch up mechanics
– game length – luck, duel, and/or take that style games tend to be better received in short sessions
– box as a dice tower
– single use abilities
– art style
Areas they could have improved:
– a little more control of outcomes (may be addressed in current rules)
– I enjoyed the 3-point aspect of the game, but wanted to see a way to make them more attainable without changing the game dynamic too much.
Interesting moment:
Another thing in the game I enjoy was the ability to discard two cards and go for a three-point shot from Half court. Even though it was mentioned above as an area I’d like a slight tweak, it feels amazing to take a huge risk of falling behind but fighting those low probability odds for a big moment.
Overall:
This game has a strong element of blocking/take that, where you can deny your opponent their choices through clever drafting and card use. Fortunately, these types of games are most successful when they are played in under an hour. I think this game is an excellent addition to a collection that would be a crowd pleaser in their light-weight category and is attractive on the table as well. I see the world of head to head and duel 2-player games overcrowded with war and battle games and I am warmed by the sport competitive approach especially when paired with the spirit of street ball.
Final Thoughts:
After reading Brad’s review, if this sounds like a game for you at the time of this posting Nothing But Net: A Playground Basketball Card Game
is on Kickstarter beginning 21 April 2026. Check it out and back it HERE.
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Check out Nothing But Net: A Playground Basketball Card Game
and Printer Ink Games on:
Brad Hiscock, aka “Zerility”, is a construction project manager and electrician by trade who was the owner of a 6-time award winning electrical company. His passion for board games has led him from playing hundreds of original titles to creating a design and publishing company of his own, Convivial Games. As an up and coming collaborator on many projects, he is always eager to try new games and meet new people.
Find him reviewing on the socials too!
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All of Brad Hiscock, aka “Zerility”‘s reviews can be found HERE.
English (US) ·