Arcade game developers master time-attack modes by blending tension, skill, and reward. They start with carefully designed levels that encourage speed while allowing mastery through repeated play. The countdown timer creates immediate pressure, but clever developers balance this with fair checkpoints and visible progress indicators. To enhance engagement, they integrate leaderboards that foster competition, both locally and online. Sound design plays a key role—urgent music and audio cues signal time shortages, pushing players to react faster. Additionally, unlockable content or bonuses for beating times incentivize replayability. Crucially, the best time-attack modes feel challenging yet achievable, using difficulty scaling to match player skill. This careful mix of psychology and design keeps players chasing that one perfect run.