Reviewed by Jason Meckes

In the final installment of Aaron Haynes' original Vlarion series, we quickly find ourselves into the action we so loved from the previous movies. As if to say 'thank you' for sticking through the entire story thusfar, we are given some very interesting RPG-esque details from the opening scene. This alone is sure to please all of the true RPG fans out there, though even I found it rather intriguing.

Story-wise, Vlarion 4 tries much harder to put old story threads to rest than to give us more to ponder. In comparison to the other installments, that is. Our heroes are at their whit's end, having fought wild beasts and crazy villains since their adventure began 3 movies ago. Their lines reek of tiredness, confusion, and snappy anger. Only through Dask's careful verbal urgings do they muster the strength to finish what they started. There is also a very unique idea of darkness and light reversing roles in this movie, and that their understood meanings are nothing more than cliché.

The MIDIs retain the quality in choice and use of the last movie. Sound effects are the same as they have been: used many times before, but not to annoying levels. It's amazing how many times you can listen to a limit break mixed with one of Aaron's muffled grunts or other foley edits, heh. They were still above-average for the time.

Animation in Vlarion4 is better thought out, more prevalent, and just nicer than any of the other entries. You will notice that during the battle with Mastrorar, the stage moves forward, backward, and to each side with very nice fluidity. It seems my little Aaron is finally starting to mature into the movie-machine that he is today. Character movement is also at a series high. While Mastrorar is fairly stationary compared to other HMCs of Aaron's, Tyewrin is a goldmine in great animation, ESPECIALLY for it's day. The sword attacks and magic spells are also at their best so far, with lots of neat new sparks and flames to dissect!

Well, by the end, our heroes have saved Earth, and it's time to wrap everything up to a neat little green ball of poison. Lance helps build a statue commemorating The Daily Planet, though it's actual purpose is to transport him back home. In an ominous way, the director signifies that while these characters will probably never meet again, the audience juuuust might.

Vlarion 4 wraps things up very nicely and very effectively. An all-around great movie in and of itself, though not quite up to the adventuresome bar held by it's predecessor, this final entry in the original Vlarion series excels in creating an ending worthy of the series it is a part of.

8/10
This ending to the original Vlarion series gives a great feeling of completeness and character achievement. Finish your adventure