Retro Replay Review
Gameplay
The core appeal of Vardit BeHarpatka Hadasha BeAlifut HaGlisha lies in its dual mini-game structure, delivered on a single floppy disk. The first segment sends Vardit the cow hurtling down a snowy ski slope, weaving between snowmen, darting past waddling penguins, and hurdling over icy chasms. Each run challenges players to gather a target number of chocolate packets—which vary depending on Easy, Medium, or Hard—while racing against an ever-ticking clock.
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Once you’ve conquered the slopes, the adventure shifts to sun-drenched sands and rolling waves. In this second instalment, Vardit swaps skis for a surfboard and must navigate a watery obstacle course filled with leaping dolphins, hidden submarine periscopes, and floating crates. The collection mechanics remain familiar—chocolate packets are again the bounty to be gathered, but the aquatic environment demands different timing and precision in handling your controls.
Controls in both segments are refreshingly straightforward: a simple set of directional arrows guides Vardit’s movement, while a single button command initiates jumps or wave tricks. Despite their simplicity, the courses are cleverly designed to ramp up difficulty. Beginners will appreciate the forgiving collision detection on the easiest setting, while veteran players can test their reflexes with faster slopes and choppier seas at higher levels.
Graphics
Visually, Vardit BeHarpatka Hadasha BeAlifut HaGlisha embraces the chunky pixel art charm of early DOS titles. On modest hardware, the color palette is bright and cheerful: snowy whites, deep blues, and pops of chocolate-brown for the collectible packets. Character sprites for Vardit are surprisingly expressive for a promotional game, complete with bobbing ears on the downhill run and a confident hoof-raised stance while surfing.
Backgrounds in both levels strike a fine balance between decorative detail and functional clarity. Snow-capped trees and distant mountain silhouettes provide a wintry backdrop without obscuring foreground hazards. Similarly, the tropical beach scene employs palm trees and shoreline waves that frame the action without overwhelming the player. Obstacles are rendered with clear outlines—snowmen carry exaggerated carrot noses, and submarine periscopes peek out with a distinct metallic sheen.
Animation frames are brief but effective. Vardit’s skiing gait and surfboard bounce cycle smoothly, and environmental effects—such as falling snowflakes or splashing wave caps—add a dynamic sense of motion. On CRT monitors, the visuals retain enough sharpness and contrast to keep gameplay readable even during heated collection runs.
Story
Plot in Vardit BeHarpatka Hadasha BeAlifut HaGlisha is minimal but charming. Released as part of Vered HaGalil’s marketing campaign, the game doubles as brand storytelling: Vardit the cow embarks on these adventures to taste and distribute Vered’s dairy-based chocolate packets. Each level’s goal reinforces the lighthearted premise of collecting sweet treats for friends across the slopes and beaches.
Though there is no dialogue or cutscenes to advance the narrative, the progression from alpine to coastal settings suggests a playful world-tour for Vardit. The implied continuity of these two games is enhanced when you learn that they are two of three chapters in the wider Vardit Adventures series—the missing title, Vardit VeHaShokolada BeMasluley HaOlympiada, rounds out the trilogy with competitive sports themes.
This low-key storytelling approach suits the intended audience—families and younger players who recognize Vardit as a friendly brand mascot. The emphasis is on fun over deep lore, with the promotional origins of the floppy disk serving more as a novelty hook than a serious plot device.
Overall Experience
Vardit BeHarpatka Hadasha BeAlifut HaGlisha offers a nostalgic trip back to the era when brand tie-ins and simple arcade challenges ruled the floppy-disk landscape. Though it was designed to promote Vered HaGalil’s dairy products, the underlying gameplay is robust enough to hold a player’s interest beyond the novelty of its marketing ties. Each run or surf route can be replayed endlessly for improved times and higher chocolate-packet tallies.
For collectors of retro software and fans of lighthearted platform-style games, the dual campaign disk is a delightful piece of gaming ephemera. Its modest system requirements and straightforward mechanics make it accessible to modern DOS emulators or original hardware setups. While the experience is fleeting by today’s standards—each mini-game can be “completed” in under ten minutes—those looking for a quick burst of colorful challenge will find genuine enjoyment here.
In sum, Vardit BeHarpatka Hadasha BeAlifut HaGlisha shines as both a nostalgic curiosity and a legitimately fun pair of action courses. Whether you’re driven by retro appeal, brand nostalgia, or simply the lure of pixel‐perfect obstacle runs, this floppy-based adventure from Vered HaGalil brings a breezy, chocolate-filled journey worth exploring.
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