Creating an effective continue system in arcade games is crucial for balancing challenge and player retention. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Fair Difficulty Curve: Ensure the game’s difficulty progresses naturally, allowing players to improve without frustration. A well-tuned curve encourages retries.

2. Limited Continues: Restricting continues adds tension and stakes. Classic arcade games often used this to maximize replayability while rewarding skill.

3. Reward Skillful Play: Offer extra continues or lives as rewards for high scores or milestones. This motivates players to master the game.

4. Clear Feedback: Display the continue screen with intuitive options (e.g., "Insert Coin" or "Press Start"). Avoid confusing interfaces to keep players engaged.

5. Balanced Economy: If using in-game currency for continues, ensure it’s neither too scarce nor too abundant. This maintains challenge without alienating players.

6. Save Progress (Modern Twist): For longer arcade-style games, consider save points or checkpoints to accommodate modern player expectations.

By implementing these practices, developers can create continue systems that keep players coming back while preserving the arcade experience’s thrill.