Arcade games have long relied on various systems to quantify and rank player skill, creating a compelling drive for mastery and competition. The most common types of player skill assessment systems include:

1. High Score Systems: The quintessential arcade mechanic. Players aim to achieve the highest possible score by collecting points, defeating enemies, or completing objectives. This system directly measures overall performance and efficiency, with leaderboards (local and online) fostering intense competition for the top spot.

2. Combo and Multiplier Systems: These systems reward consecutive actions without error. By chaining together hits, tricks, or collections, players activate a multiplier that dramatically increases their score potential. This assesses not just success, but sustained precision and aggressive play under pressure.

3. Time Attack / Speedrun Modes: Here, skill is measured by speed. The primary goal is to complete a level, circuit, or the entire game as quickly as possible. This system evaluates route optimization, execution speed, and the ability to perform flawlessly under time constraints.

4. Grading Systems: Often found in rhythm games and character action titles, this method assigns a letter grade (e.g., A, B, C) or rating (e.g., "SS," "Perfect") based on performance metrics like accuracy, style, and completeness. It provides a more nuanced evaluation than a simple numerical score.

5. Clear Conditions and Survival Modes: Skill is assessed simply by the ability to survive and meet a specific win condition, such as defeating a boss or lasting a set number of waves. This tests endurance, adaptability, and fundamental game knowledge.

These systems, often used in combination, provide clear, immediate feedback and create a tangible record of a player's accomplishment, which is central to the addictive and competitive nature of arcade gaming.