Sky-High Showdown in Pokémon TCG with Space-Time Smackdown Expansion

Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A Detailed Look

Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion, a new set themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60). Excluding alternate art cards, the core set contains 155 cards, including 10 new ex Pokémon (Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky). Every Pokémon type except Dragon has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

Space Time Smackdown's Alternate Art Cards

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A key feature of Space Time Smackdown is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items provide battle advantages. The new set includes Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP damage to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions like Poison).

Gameplay Changes

The expansion brings new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The multiplayer meta is expected to shift significantly. Cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon) are anticipated to be powerful additions. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Dialga ex will bolster Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

New missions are available, rewarding players with Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and more. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions return, focusing on 1-Star and 2-Star cards. A final mission, "Champion of the Sinnoh Region," requires the full-art Cynthia card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. The shop features new items like Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle. Noteably, the controversial Trading Tokens are not awarded through missions, though a free 500 were given as a celebratory gift.

The Trading Controversy

The recent trading update remains a point of contention. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the developer has not addressed player concerns regarding the high cost of trading rare cards. Trading requires a significant number of Trade Tokens obtained by selling cards, leading to criticism of the system's design. Players have expressed frustration over the perceived difficulty and unbalance of the trading mechanic.