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 card shows a group of Weavile poised to attack an unsuspecting Swinub.
This depiction of predatory behavior has ignited a passionate response on Reddit, with posts expressing concern for the Swinub's fate. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply reads, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!". Comments echo this sentiment, with players expressing dismay at the graphic nature of the card's artwork.
(Placeholder for Reddit image showing the Weavile ex card artwork)
The intense reaction highlights the unexpected emotional connection players have with the Pokémon depicted. The perceived brutality of the scene contrasts with the typically lighthearted nature of the franchise, prompting discussions about the often overlooked "animalistic" aspects within the Pokémon world. Some fans even point to a Mamoswine (Swinub's evolution) card as a potential "happy ending," showing Mamoswine protectively watching over Swinub.
(Placeholder for Reddit image showing the Mamoswine card artwork)
Space Time Smackdown, a Diamond and Pearl themed set, includes 207 cards (significantly fewer than Genetic Apex's 286), but boasts a higher percentage of rare alternate art cards (52 compared to Genetic Apex's 60). The set features popular Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, alongside Weavile and Mamoswine.
Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has yet to publicly address the situation. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" was provided, including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer remains silent on player concerns, failing to respond to media inquiries. The lack of response has only fueled the ongoing debate surrounding the Weavile ex card's artwork.
