Best Games For Scoring SATISFYING High Scores

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Before home consoles became popular, arcades were the place to play video games. They were especially popular from the 1970s through the early 2000s. Most arcade games focused on getting the highest score possible, whether you were fighting opponents or shooting enemies. Early console games also emphasized high scores, but as gaming technology improved, games began to offer more complex gameplay and different objectives.

Modern games now focus more on engaging stories and complex gameplay, meaning chasing high scores isn’t as common a feature. Luckily, both new and classic score-chasing games are still available on today’s consoles, offering something for everyone.

Tetris Effect

A Classic Reborn

Originally created for PlayStation 4 and VR, Tetris Effect offered a uniquely calming and immersive experience, letting players lose themselves in the music or focus on achieving high scores. Tetris Effect: Connected expanded the game with multiplayer options for other consoles. Ultimately, all versions of the game are considered highlights in the history of Tetris.

Pac-Man Championship Edition DX

Waka Waka

By the 90s and 2000s, Pac-Man wasn’t as popular as he once was, but Namco kept trying to revive the classic game. They finally succeeded with Pac-Man Championship Edition and its sequel, Pac-Man Championship Edition DX. These games brought back the original Pac-Man gameplay with a few improvements, making it even more satisfying to eat ghosts. Chasing a high score felt fantastic, and these were ideal, compact downloadable games that delivered a lot of fun. While a bit more challenging to play today, they’re still enjoyable to revisit.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

He Was A Skater Boy

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a reimagining of the original two games, capturing the fun and excitement that made them so popular on consoles like the PlayStation 1. Players can unlock a huge roster of skaters and levels, instantly bringing them back to the skateboarding scene of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Earn high scores by discovering secrets, performing amazing tricks, and grinding rails to become a legendary skater. You can now also enjoy classic Tony Hawk games through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, although many fans agree the first remake still features the best titles.

Just Dance 2026

Get Into The Groove

The newest installment in the popular series, Just Dance 2026, is a fantastic example of why music-based rhythm games appeal to players who love to chase high scores. It’s a fun and active dancing game that gets you moving to both current hits – like “APT” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars and “Azizam” by Ed Sheeran – and beloved classics such as “All Star” by Smash Mouth and “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. It’s perfect for family fun and friendly competition to see who can achieve the highest score. Other long-running franchises focused on scoring include Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band.

Hotline Miami

Kill Or Be Killed

Hotline Miami is a fast-paced game where skillful, quick kills are key. Both you and your enemies die in a single hit, demanding careful planning and quick reflexes. Successfully completing a level without getting hit earns high scores, but the intense, stressful gameplay is what truly makes it exciting. You’ll have a variety of weapons at your disposal – from bats to shotguns – to eliminate targets in this top-down action game, and the second game in the series is also highly recommended.

Earthion

A Modern SHMUP

Earthion is a fantastic return to the classic shoot ‘em up, or SHMUP, style – a genre that’s been missing from today’s gaming landscape. It’s clearly inspired by older side-scrolling shooters like Gradius and R-Type, where you navigate levels and destroy waves of enemies and bullets. While staying true to its roots, Earthion also includes modern features like adjustable difficulty, a health system, and upgrade options, making it more approachable for new players.

Featuring stylish retro graphics and a fantastic soundtrack, this game offers a concise and action-packed experience. It’s perfect for both dedicated shoot ’em up fans and newcomers, and will also appeal to players who love to chase high scores.

Pizza Tower

A Platformer Made For Speedruns

Many platforming games still use scoring, and Pizza Tower really takes it to the next level. It’s designed with speedrunning in mind, pushing players to race through levels against the clock. With practice, you can quickly zoom past obstacles, and the game feels incredibly natural to play. Pizza Tower borrows its level design from the Wario Land series and adds a dash of the energetic, over-the-top style of ’90s cartoons, making it a game that’s as visually exciting as it is fun.

Everybody’s Golf

A Chill Sports Game

This 2017 installment of the game focused heavily on letting players customize their characters and play with others online. Players could compete against each other on different courses, similar to a race. Although the online servers are no longer available since 2022, you can still play with friends locally, and there are plenty of single-player options to enjoy.

While it’s less exciting now without online score comparisons, Everybody’s Golf remains a wonderfully relaxing sports game, and even people who don’t usually like golf can enjoy it. There’s still a special thrill in getting a hole-in-one and sharing that accomplishment!

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2025-10-28 01:36