TCG Rage: Time Space Showdown Spurs Love and Ire

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 a defenseless Swinub.

This graphic depiction of predation has generated significant online discussion. Reddit threads are filled with comments expressing concern and dismay, with users pleading for the Swinub's safety. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply exclaims, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!".

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The intense reaction highlights the unexpected emotional response to the game's portrayal of Pokémon interactions. Players are grappling with the reality of a Pokémon world where even seemingly cute creatures engage in predatory behavior. The juxtaposition of fantastical abilities (like laser beams) with the brutal realities of the natural world is a point of fascination and concern for many.

Some fans find solace in the Mamoswine full art card, which shows the evolved Swinub seemingly protecting its young, suggesting a possible happy ending to the Weavile encounter.

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The Space Time Smackdown expansion, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, includes 207 cards, fewer than Genetic Apex's 286, but boasts a higher percentage (52 out of 207) of rare alternate art cards.

Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has yet to address the backlash. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" offered 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer remains silent on player concerns, and has not responded to requests for comment.