Arcade machines have long mastered the art of balancing player versus CPU gameplay to ensure both challenge and fairness. Here’s how they achieve it:

1. Adaptive Difficulty Scaling: Many arcade games adjust CPU opponent strength based on player performance. If a player excels, the AI becomes more aggressive or precise, while struggling players may face slightly easier opponents.

2. Predefined AI Patterns: Early arcade games relied on fixed AI behavior loops, forcing players to memorize patterns. This created a skill-based challenge while keeping CPU actions predictable.

3. Dynamic Resource Allocation: Some games limit CPU resources (e.g., attack frequency or movement speed) to prevent overwhelming players, ensuring a gradual difficulty curve.

4. Handicap Systems: Games like fighting arcades often apply hidden handicaps—stronger players face tougher CPU stats, while newcomers get subtle advantages.

5. RNG (Random Number Generation): Controlled randomness in CPU decisions prevents repetitive gameplay, making encounters feel less scripted without sacrificing balance.

By blending these techniques, arcade machines deliver engaging, replayable experiences where CPU opponents feel challenging yet beatable.