Since the first Resident Evil ushered in the survival horror genre in 1996, complex environmental puzzles have been integral to the addictive formula that‘s made it one of gaming‘s most beloved and longest-running franchises. Over 25 years, the mainline series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide across 13 titles.
Figuring out cryptic puzzles under pressure is part of what makes these games so immersive and compelling. Solving elaborate trials also fits perfectly into the twisted lore, with eccentric masterminds designing challenging tests to slow down the protagonist or judge a disciple‘s worthiness.
Background on Resident Evil 4
First released in 2005, Resident Evil 4 was a landmark title that evolved the franchise into a faster, more action-packed style while retaining the core horror elements.
The 2023 remake utilizes current-gen graphics to vividly recreate the spooky rural European village setting. Gameplay has been expanded with new side quests, additional scenes, and impactful story tweaks while keeping the original vision intact.
You play as Leon S. Kennedy in his mission to rescue Ashley Graham, the president‘s daughter who has been abducted by a mysterious cult. This takes Leon into a secluded village where he encounters mind-controlled villagers and terrifying creatures as he pieces together what sinister conspiracy is at play.
The Four Images Puzzle Explained
One of the most infamous head-scratchers in the original Resident Evil 4 is the Four Images puzzle, known as the Illuminados Medallions puzzle. This complex trial requires collecting four unique swords, then arranging them correctly to open a sealed door.
Cracking this puzzle is still required to make progress in the Resident Evil 4 remake. It‘s encountered about 1/3 into Leon‘s 13-hour quest, just after defeating the monster Bitores Mendez. Solving it allows access to the next area to continue pursuing Ashley.
Let‘s break down how to successfully beat this tricky challenge:
1. Enter the Courtyard and Open the Gate
Your goal is to collect four specific swords hidden around the environment. We‘ll cover how to find each one.
First, move forward down the hall just past the room where you fought Chief Mendez until you reach a large metal gate.
On the right side is a chain you can interact with to pull and lift the gate. Do this to unlock the gate so you can access the open courtyard ahead.
2. Shoot the Snake Gong to Acquire the Rusty Sword
Once in the courtyard, you‘ll notice a large statue on the left holding a bow and arrow. Look closely and you‘ll see it has a snake icon on the gong to the left.
Equip your weapon and fire a shot into this snake gong to activate the statue. Doing so summons a rusty sword in front of the statue. Pick up the rusty sword – that‘s one down!
3. Locate the Eagle Gong for the Golden Sword
Now turn your attention to the identical statue on the right side of the courtyard. If you look closely, its gong has an eagle icon.
Shoot the eagle gong to trigger this statue. It produces a precious golden sword to collect – that‘s two swords so far!
4. Follow the Passage to Find the Bloodied Sword
For the third sword, head through the newly opened passage just behind the golden snake statue on the left.
Follow the path until you reach a distinctive plaque on the wall. Interact with it to reveal a hidden niche containing your next goal – a bloodied sword. Retrieving it fills another slot for the puzzle.
5. Drain the Water to Uncover the Iron Sword
Only one sword remains to complete the set – the iron sword. To obtain it, return to the main courtyard with the gongs and statues.
Towards the back left you‘ll notice a conspicuous channel of water. Follow the waterway around the corner and down the stairs where you‘ll spot a large submerged wheel.
Interact with this wheel to drain the water fully, lowering it to uncover the missing iron sword! Now you have all 4 swords.
6. Arrange the Swords in the Correct Order
Finally, with all 4 swords collected, head to the large stone plaque at the very back of the courtyard. Here you‘ll find 4 indentations to place the swords.
Insert the swords from left to right in this precise order:
- Iron Sword
- Golden Sword
- Bloodied Sword
- Rusty Sword
Arranging the swords properly will cause the door to creak open. You can now progress to the next area!
Why This Puzzle Exemplifies Good Design
Analyzing the Four Images puzzle critically, we can see several elements that make it particularly well-conceived:
- It builds upon gong-shooting mechanics introduced earlier to feel grounded in the world.
- Collecting each sword requires unique actions to stay engaging.
- The snake and eagle symbols provide clear visual clues matching the gong icons.
- Draining the water adds an element of interactivity and discovery.
- Placing the swords in the proper sequence raises the challenge.
Together these design choices promote spatial reasoning, visual deduction, and environmental engagement – hallmarks of a great puzzle.
How Other Classic Puzzles Compare
While some Resident Evil puzzles repeat similar designs, the series also commonly delivers fresh head-scratchers. For example:
- Spinning dial locks in RE7 rely on deciphering alphanumeric hints.
- Sliding statue segments in RE4 and RE2 Remake form a coherent image when aligned properly.
- Chessboard horrors in RE Village force strategic positioning to avoid gruesome fates.
- Cryptic poem clues in RE Veronica provide answers for unlocking combinations.
By incorporating diverse puzzle archetypes spanning logic, math, spatial manipulation, and decoding hints, the games keep players on their toes and deeply immersed in each unsettling environment.
8 Tips for Solving Tricky Puzzles
While punishing, conquering the complex puzzles of survival horror titles provides huge satisfaction. Here are tips to overcome even the most confounding trials:
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Exhaustively explore areas first to gather all available puzzle pieces before attempting solutions. Hidden items, notes, and mechanisms abound!
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Examine symbols, patterns, colors, and other visual design cues that may offer subtle clues.
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Deduce what actions and abilities might impact the environment and reveal new information.
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Note down theories and cross off incorrect assumptions to narrow down possibilities.
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Retrace your steps and recall any odd details that now seem meaningful.
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Take breaks if frustrated; sometimes the answer only comes through a refreshed perspective.
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Consult a guide if hopelessly stuck, but try to use minimal hints to maintain a challenge.
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Stay patient, determined and analytically minded – the solution is out there waiting to be uncovered!
Hopefully these tips help you persist through even the most challenging trials. Just be cautious about getting too immersed in any puzzles devised by unethical researchers or secret cults!
More Resources for Solving Resident Evil Puzzles
If you need assistance with other confounding puzzles stopping your progress in Resident Evil 4 or other survival horror titles, these guides provide valuable clues:
- Resident Evil 4 Remake Complete Walkthrough
- Resident Evil 2 Remake Puzzle Solutions
- Resident Evil 7 Puzzle Guide
I hope these tips help you unravel the secrets of Resident Evil 4 Remake‘s Four Images puzzle and any other challenging trials you encounter! Let me know in the comments if you need any other assistance conquering these fiendish games.
