Pokémon TCG's Latest Heartbreak Emerges in Time Space Showdown
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a disturbing scene that has sparked outrage among players. Specifically, the full-art 2-Star version shows Weavile poised to attack a defenseless Swinub.
This brutal depiction of Pokémon predation has generated significant online discussion. Reddit threads are filled with comments expressing concern and dismay, with many users highlighting the graphic nature of the artwork. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply exclaims, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!".
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The unexpectedly violent imagery has led to discussions about the often-overlooked predatory aspects within the Pokémon world. Players are grappling with the juxtaposition of cute, often friendly Pokémon with the reality of a survival-of-the-fittest ecosystem, complete with the potential for violence.
However, some fans offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full-art card as a potential happy ending. This card shows Mamoswine protectively looking upward, seemingly aware of the Weavile and safeguarding Swinub.
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Space Time Smackdown, a Diamond and Pearl-themed set, includes 207 cards (fewer than Genetic Apex's 286, but with a higher percentage of rare cards – 52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60). The set features popular Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, alongside Weavile and Mamoswine.
Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has remained silent, neither addressing the contentious card nor responding to inquiries about the recent trading update. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" was distributed, including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer's lack of response to player concerns is notable.
