The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCGO) Space Time Smackdown expansion, released January 30th, features a Weavile ex card depicting a scene that has sparked significant player outrage. While three versions of the Weavile ex card exist, it's the 2-Star full-art card that's causing the controversy. The artwork shows a group of Weavile poised to attack a defenseless Swinub.
Reddit threads are ablaze with comments expressing concern and sadness over the depicted predation. One post, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes, simply exclaims, "NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!" Many players lament the graphic depiction of Pokémon violence, pleading for the Swinub's safety. The unexpectedly brutal portrayal highlights the often-overlooked predatory aspects within the Pokémon world, prompting discussion about the inherent savagery existing alongside fantastical abilities.
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 protectively looking upward, seemingly aware of the Weavile's presence and safeguarding its young. This interpretation provides a measure of comfort to those disturbed by the Weavile card's imagery.
NO ! SWINUB LOOK UP !! LOOK UP !!
byu/RegularTemporary2707 inPTCGP
Gone, but not forgotten.
byu/AshesMemeFolder inPTCGP
The Space Time Smackdown expansion, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, includes 207 cards—smaller than Genetic Apex's 286—but boasts a higher percentage (52 out of 207) of rare alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex (60 out of 286). The set features popular Pokémon like Weavile, Mamoswine, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Weavile card and a preceding trading update, Creatures Inc. remains silent. The company hasn't addressed fan concerns on social media or in-game, nor responded to requests for comment. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" offering 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses (sufficient for trading one ex Pokémon) was provided, the developer's lack of response to player feedback is notable.
