The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a scene that has sparked significant player outrage. While three versions of the Weavile ex card exist, it's the 2-Star full art card that's causing the controversy. The artwork shows a group of Weavile poised to attack an unsuspecting Swinub.
Reddit users have expressed their dismay, with one post titled "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!" garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes. Comments range from pleas to "Leave the lil guy alone" to observations on the often-violent nature of Pokémon ecology, noting the juxtaposition of seemingly cute creatures with the ability to wield powerful attacks.
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However, some players offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full art card (Swinub's evolution) which shows Mamoswine protectively looking upwards, seemingly aware of the Weavile's presence. This has led to hopeful interpretations that Mamoswine saved Swinub.
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Space Time Smackdown, a Diamond and Pearl themed set, includes 207 cards (smaller than Genetic Apex's 286), but boasts 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.
Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has remained silent. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was released, the developer hasn't addressed player concerns regarding the Weavile card artwork or responded to requests for comment.
