Pokémon TCG Pocket Players Love and Hate Heartbreaking Time Space Showdown Art

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features artwork sparking outrage among players. The culprit? A full-art Weavile ex card depicting a group of Weavile poised to attack a defenseless Swinub.

Reddit posts showcasing the artwork have garnered thousands of upvotes, with comments expressing concern and distress over the depicted scene. One post simply reads, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!", highlighting the vulnerability of the Swinub. Many players commented on the unexpectedly violent depiction, contrasting it with the typically gentler portrayal of Pokémon interactions. The realism of Pokémon as animals capable of violence, even with their fantastical abilities, is a recurring theme in the discussions.

However, some fans offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full-art card as a possible happy ending. This card shows Mamoswine protectively looking upwards, seemingly aware of the Weavile and safeguarding a group of Swinub. Comments suggest Mamoswine's watchful presence offers reassurance, implying the Swinub escaped the Weavile's attack.

Space Time Smackdown, a Pokémon Diamond and Pearl-themed set, includes Weavile, Mamoswine, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, and more, totaling 207 cards—smaller than Genetic Apex's 286, but with a higher percentage (52 out of 207) of rare alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards.

Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has remained silent. The developer hasn't addressed the concerns surrounding the recent trading update or responded to requests for comment, focusing solely on promoting Space Time Smackdown. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses was given, this hasn't appeased player frustration.