Not all pinball machines have an antagonist, but I think it ads a lot to the games that do. I think of an antagonist first of all as a character, not just an object like a black hole or the ocean. This character works against you, the player, and sometimes even revels in your failure.

Some antagonists taunt the player like Yagov on F-14, The Sorcerer on Sorcerer, and The Pharaoh. Some have re-appeared in sequels like The Black Knight, The T-rex in Data East and Stern's JP, and the Martians in Attack and Revenge. The earliest antagonist I can think of is 1972's Fireball, but I'm sure there were earlier ones I'm not familiar with.

My top three are:
1. Sparky - MET
2. The Genie - TOTAN
3. Rudy - Funhouse

So, What are your top 3 pinball antagonists?

I'm unfamiliar. What machine is this?

Ah, yes. Haven't played that one... yet.

Absolutely. Someday I'll get to number of the beast and put him in his place.

I must be missing something.

I know this one might be a little obscure, but I always thought Big Fatso on Barb Wire was a good antagonist, too.

I'm gonna revise my best antagonist to Thanos. The way he taunts you every time you loose a gem is infuriating, and unfortunately I loose a lot of gems.

Haven't played Halloween yet but I'm looking forward to it eventually.