A man will kick you
Like Jefailey from a few weeks back, the latest entry in the Divekick tournament is based on a real human being. Markman is the community and sponsorship manager over at Madcatz, and has become a mainstay of the FGC. Though it’s great to see a familiar face, he does look a bit bland compared to otherworldly types like The Baz, Redacted, and the previously mentioned Jefailey.
Looks can be deceiving though, as Markman has more than a few metaphysical tricks up his sleeve. Like Phoenix Wright in UMvC3, Markman is an “random item search” character. His ground special allows him to sift through is pockets and throw crap on the ground, hoping to discover missing parts for his Divekick Kick Box Fight “Stick”. He may end up tossing out poison bombs, oil slicks, springs, glue, or even a Acme Portable Hole. Producing these environmental hazards leaves Markman vulnerable and their effects can screw with both characters.
That risk can lead to a sizable payoff. Collecting all three parts to the Kick Box puts Markman in “precision control mode”, which allows him to “up kick”. This is the only dragon punch move in the game, and it’s fully cancel-able.
Sadly, I’ll be missing my chance to check out Markman at UFGT9, but I will be in a Divekick tournament at E3. Do you think Markman should be my main? I’m leaning towards The Baz, but that electric just-frame special is pretty tempting.