The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a scene that has sparked outrage among players. Specifically, the 2-Star full art version shows a group of Weavile poised to attack an unsuspecting Swinub.
This brutal depiction has generated significant online discussion, with Reddit threads overflowing with comments expressing concern and dismay. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply exclaims, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!" Many users expressed their disapproval, highlighting the graphic nature of the card's artwork and the depiction of Pokémon seemingly preying on each other.
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However, some fans offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full art card (Swinub's evolution) as a possible happy ending. This card shows Mamoswine looking upwards, seemingly watchful and protective of several Swinub. This interpretation suggests Mamoswine saw the Weavile and intervened, offering a counterpoint to the grim Weavile card.
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Space Time Smackdown, a Diamond and Pearl-themed set, includes 207 cards, featuring Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina alongside Weavile and Mamoswine. While smaller than the Genetic Apex expansion (286 cards), it boasts a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60).
Despite the controversy surrounding the Weavile card and a recent trading update, Creatures Inc. has yet to publicly address fan concerns. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" was distributed, including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer remains silent on the backlash. A request for comment from IGN also went unanswered.