Pokémon TCG: Love and Hate 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 2-Star full art card shows a group of Weavile poised to attack an unsuspecting Swinub.

This graphic depiction of predation has generated significant online discussion, with many players expressing concern and disappointment. Reddit posts highlighting the artwork have garnered thousands of upvotes, with comments expressing sympathy for the Swinub and criticism of the card's violent imagery. The stark contrast between the cute Swinub and the menacing Weavile has resonated with many players.

However, some fans offer a hopeful interpretation, pointing to the Mamoswine full art card, Swinub's evolution, which shows a protective Mamoswine looking upwards, seemingly aware of the Weavile's presence and safeguarding its young. This interpretation attempts to provide a more positive narrative to counter the initial shock of the Weavile card.

The Space Time Smackdown expansion, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, includes 207 cards, featuring popular Pokémon like Weavile, Mamoswine, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. While smaller than the Genetic Apex expansion, it boasts a higher percentage of rare alternate art cards (52 vs. 60).

Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has yet to address the negative feedback surrounding the Weavile card's artwork. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" was offered, including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer remains silent on player concerns and has not responded to requests for comment. The focus remains primarily on promoting the new expansion.