If you want to seriously beat, as in 1cc an arcade game, then you're going to have to practice a lot no matter what. It took me two days to clear only the first loop of R-Type 1 (the second took me a month), and that still involved intensive practicing. Though if you don't care about clearing arcade game, feel free to just insert a single credit and see how far you can get.
Else if you want something to play in short bursts, try a roguelike like The Binding of Isaac.