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 many Reddit users expressing concern and disappointment. One post highlighting the artwork garnered nearly 10,000 upvotes, with comments like, "No Swinub, look up!" and expressing dismay at the Pokémon seemingly about to kill each other.
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The stark contrast between the Weavile's predatory behavior and the Swinub's vulnerability has resonated with players. The perceived violence within the usually whimsical Pokémon world has prompted reflection on the often-overlooked "animalistic" aspects of the creatures. One user commented on the "crazy ecology" of the Pokémon world, noting the juxtaposition of intelligent creatures with abilities like firing laser beams.
However, some fans are offering a more optimistic interpretation, pointing to the Mamoswine full-art card. This card shows a Mamoswine protectively looking over several Swinub, suggesting a possible happy ending for the vulnerable Swinub in the Weavile card.
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Space Time Smackdown, a Diamond and Pearl-themed set, includes 207 cards (fewer 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 Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, alongside Weavile and Mamoswine.
Despite the controversy, Creatures Inc. has yet to publicly address the negative reaction to the Weavile card artwork. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (including 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was distributed, the developer remains silent on fan complaints and has not responded to requests for comment.