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 Diamond and Pearl-themed set featuring two booster packs (Dialga and Palkia). This expansion boasts 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex (286), but with a higher percentage of rare cards – 52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60. The total card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155. This includes 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; Darkness type received two.
New Pokémon Tool Cards
A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items provide battle advantages. The expansion includes:
- Giant Cape: +20 HP to the Pokémon.
- Rocky Helmet: Inflicts 20 HP damage to the opponent's Pokémon when the active trainer takes damage.
- Lum Berry: Removes status conditions like Poison.
Updated Battles and Multiplayer
Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers (Beginner tier remains unchanged). These battles feature Pokémon from the set, including Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, Bastiodon, and others. The impact on the multiplayer meta is yet to be fully determined, but cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon) are expected to be powerful additions. Dialga ex will significantly boost Steel-type decks.
Missions and Rewards
New missions mirroring previous structures have been added. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions for 1-Star and 2-Star cards have returned, along with a "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission requiring the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, Garchomp). Rewards include Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, but notably exclude Trading Tokens (though a 500-token gift was provided). New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
Controversial Trading Update
The recent trading update remains controversial. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was given, Creatures Inc. hasn't addressed player concerns. The core issue is the high Trade Token cost for trading higher-rarity cards (3 Diamonds and above), requiring players to sell cards to obtain the necessary tokens. This system has drawn significant criticism from the community.
