Whirly Derby, from Big Potato Games, is a colourful and tactile marble racing experience. Developers of popular titles like Herd Mentality, Chicken vs Hotdog and Ok Play, Big Potato Games has crafted a game perfect for 2 to 6 players. Choose your own marble colours and select 1 to 5 marbles for each round. Blast them down the speedway and see who finishes first, second and third. Those on the podium can choose one of three face-up cards from the main pile, aiming to accumulate points and combinations throughout the eight rounds. A clever twist is that players whose marble finishes last get another chance to race. With two refill options, players can replenish their marble roster and continue racing for several rounds. Refill is allowed twice per round.
Big Potato Games has put a lot of thought into the packaging, using recyclable materials and plant-based stickers. This B-Corp certified company truly invests in the creation of its board games. The marbles are sturdy, bright and colourful, mirroring the vibrant packaging.
Rules Overview
As with many party games, Whirly Derby is suitable for players aged eight and up. However, I believe it’s also enjoyable for children as young as young as four, thanks to its simple rules. There are two ways to play: standard rules and advanced rules. I recommend using the advanced rules, especially with adults or older children, as they introduce the Thunderball marble. This marble blocks the path of other marbles, scoring points for the player who uses it. Additionally, you can unlock card combinations. For example, having three of the same kind or certain different cards together scoring extra points on top of the card’s score. This game works best with more players, with a perfect range being between five and six. Four or fewer players won’t make for as much fun, speed or noise. Rolling the marbles down the speedway simultaneously is a great idea from designer Tedman Greshaman. Perhaps it’s a nostalgic element from the 1980s, which is reflected in the packaging. Unfortunately, the marbles don’t have faces like the packaging. This is a minor complaint, but the game is still quite enjoyable, albeit a bit random at times.
A Few Quirks
Since the cards are drawn randomly at the start of each round, you’ll naturally choose the highest-scoring card. In the basic game, whoever’s marbles win will choose the highest valued card. The more complex version tries to disguise strategy, but it’s just a fun racing game at the end of the day. I’d prefer simpler cards rather than a Sushi Go feel to the card play. I just want first place to get three points, second place two and third place one. I understand the idea of making it more engaging and fun, and adding a bit of jeopardy. Even if you win every race, you might not have the most points. That does feel a bit unfair. The championship style game over eight rounds is also a good idea, but it’s very much reliant on Lady Luck.
Another complaint I have is the box filling. It feels a bit strange. The extra cardboard pieces are a nice touch for keeping everything in place, but kids will likely throw them around and lose or crush them. This game is more suited to party games than serious gaming. If you prefer heavier games, this isn’t for you. The random card nature can be frustrating for a gamer who wants control over their score. I appreciate the choices of everyone choosing a different number of marbles at the start of each round. It’s fun to see them roll down the tin metal speedway and the sound is great.
Another plus is the refill mechanic which enhances the game’s enjoyment. This means you’re rarely out of a round. However, I think eight rounds might be a bit too many; six would have been better. The introduction of the Thunderball, randomly awarded to the lowest scorer from rounds three to eight, is a nice touch. It gives players the option to use it or hold onto it for a few more rounds. Of course, there’s no guarantee of when the next Thunderball will appear and they’ll lose it. The artwork on the cards is wonderfully bright and colourful, featuring jelly, cheese, cactuses and other fun illustrations. Each card also has a different trophy design.
Rolling on…
This game lives up to Big Potato Games’ reputation for fun-fuelled laughter rather than long-term strategic effort. Their games appeals to a wide audience and are found in supermarkets and boardgame shops. Their mass appeal makes them perfect for parties, and Whirley Derby is another great choice for adult and especially children’s parties. I can see it becoming a favourite for young children as they grow, as the rules can be easily adjusted for different age groups. While I’m not a fan of the random elements, they do teach children about the concept of unluckiness in real life. They’ve really hit on a great market for this game – something different from their usual noisy marbles and speedy down the speedway.
One slight issue I have with the speedway is that it doesn’t always sit right and you need an adult to construct it. Children find it difficult and the marbles can easily miss the finish line, which isn’t ideal for catching all the marbles. Whirley Derby is a still a good title for me simply because of its colourful and easy-to-understand rules. While I won’t play it very often, it’s a welcome addition to parties, especially Christmas and birthday parties, but also as a fun filler game. I wouldn’t necessarily play it with my gamer friends, but I would definitely play it with those who haven’t played games before. It’s a great way to have a quick laugh after dinner for everyone to enjoy.
