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 a Weavile ex card with artwork depicting a brutal 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. Reddit posts highlighting the artwork have garnered significant attention, with many expressing concern and sadness over the depiction of Pokémon violence. One post, titled "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!", has accumulated nearly 10,000 upvotes, reflecting the widespread reaction. Comments express disbelief and disappointment at the scene's graphic nature, contrasting the often-child-friendly image of Pokémon with the depicted predatory behavior. The unexpected realism of the Pokémon's animalistic instincts within the game's universe has also been a topic of discussion.

However, some players offer a glimmer of hope, pointing to the Mamoswine full-art card as a possible happy ending. This card depicts Mamoswine protectively looking upward, seemingly aware of the Weavile and safeguarding Swinub. This interpretation offers a counterpoint to the grim Weavile card, suggesting a narrative of protection and survival.

Space Time Smackdown, a Pokémon 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 Weavile, Mamoswine, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Weavile card and a previous trading update, Creatures Inc. has remained silent. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer has not addressed fan concerns or responded to inquiries from IGN.