What makes for the best antagonist in your opinion? This starting relationship is imo maybe even more important than developing the relationship of MC and heroine. I think about it in terms of relationship to MC/heroine. Here are some basic possibilities I remember seeing:
1) He is absolutely hated by both. He is a horrible human being and they let him know it (usually ugly bastard) (the main antagonists in this game for example
sanctuary of promises )
2) He is hated by MC, only by proxy with heroine (which is easily swayed away). This is usually antagonist bullying MC (mother NTR usually) -
Netorare milf natsuko
3) He is well liked by everyone around. Pretty much a paragon, good at everything. May or may not be an asshole in private. But both MC and heroine like him at start. I think
Reborn Island sorta fits? I havent played too much of it but felt to me that way
4) He is pitied by heroine/MC - some pathetic person down on their luck, ends up taking advantage of heroine. Like the hobo in scars of summer
5) Liked by MC, hated by heroine - asshole best friend of MC ( I think I played some games like that, but nothing specific comes to mind)
For me its number one by a long shot. Maybe its because I am a big fan of corruption, but having a character go from being loathed and hated to being completely in control of the heroine makes for the longest and most satisfying journey.