The glowing blue medallions have returned to taunt and reward players in equal measure in Capcom‘s Resident Evil 4 remake. Longtime fans will fondly remember shooting these triggering a satisfying shatter across the rural terrain of the opening village. While the glowing medallions are back, nearly everything else about this bonus challenge has changed.
As a survival horror enthusiast with countless hours eliminating Umbrella Corp B.O.W.s under my belt, I was both nostalgic and intrigued when discovering the classic blue orbs scattered throughout RE4 remake. Let‘s analyze the medallion hunting side quest more deeply and equip you to dominate these rewarding collectibles.
How the Medallions Work in RE4 Remake
In the 2005 original, blue medallions were confined solely to the starting village area, with just 20 available to find. Destroying all 20 with a certain accuracy unlocked an exclusive handgun. In the 2023 remake, Capcom has gone bigger and open-world, expanding medallions across significant locations over the course of the entire 15+ hour story.
Rather than one mass collection, medallions are divided into five separate requests of around 10 medallions each. This spreads the shooting gallery challenge through more gameplay, offering periodic breaks between the action-horror. Each request appears after reaching new areas, prompting players to explore off the critical path.
And best of all, hitting all medallions for each request rewards spinels rather than a weapon. This all-new RE4 remake currency can be exchanged for some extremely useful items. Expanding the system beyond the village makes medallion hunting far more rewarding and less repetitive.
Statistical Breakdown of Medallions and Rewards
Here is the numerical breakdown of medallions per request and what each nets you for completion:
- Request 1: 5 Village Farm Medallions = 3 Spinels (9,000 pt value)
- Request 2: 5 Quarry/Fish Farm Medallions = 4 Spinels (12,000 pt value)
- Request 3: 6 Castle Gate Medallions = 5 Spinels (15,000 pt value)
- Request 4: 6 Castle Hall Medallions = 5 Spinels (15,000 pt value)
- Request 5: 5 Depot Medallions = 5 Spinels (15,000 pt value)
- Request 6: 6 Ruins Medallions = 5 Spinels (15,000 pt value)
Total Medallions = 33
Total Spinels Awarded = 27
Total Point Value of Spinels = 81,000 pesetas
Compared to other bonus content across the Resident Evil franchise, this may seem like a standard side activity quota at first glance. Collectibles span the DNA of the survival horror experience, whether it be shooting blue medallions here, discovering Mr. Raccoon statues in the RE2 remake, or seeking out the cryptic goat dolls from RE8 Village.
However, the concentration of scavenger hunting packed intoRequests 1-6 makes it quite special even among veteran RE players. Across over 25 years and dozens of titles, no game has featured this quantity of optional collectibles with useful rewards tied directly to progression. RE4 remake finding the perfect balance, making medallion collecting addictive without growing tiresome.
Embracing the Challenge with Leon
Approaching these requests as completionist side content rather than compulsory assignments is key to fully embracing the enjoyable challenge they present. The strategic combat, resource management, infectious tension, and puzzle solving already make up RE4‘s core. Blue medallions offer a complementary breather activity in between the terrifying Ganados and imposing Colmillos encounters.
As Leon Kennedy, by this point we‘ve conquered hordes of possessed villagers, traversed sewers, secret labs, and crumbling architecture enough to appreciate a straight shooting contest. As a US government special agent entering a hostage rescue mission blind, discovering the glowing blue orbs taps into our training. We may not fully understand their purpose yet, but recognize the shooting practice and mental reset.
Much like Leon, the focus required in lining up clean shots on the destructible medallions gives our mind a useful break from the horrors around us. Almost like Zen archery training, hitting moving targets floating just out of reach or cleverly hidden. As we gain confidence shattering medallions in a single bullet, muscle memory and concentration rise to equip us for the next Ganados ambush.
My recommendation is to always take a few minutes seeking out blue medallions whenever the merchant‘s notes pop up, rather than rushing through and saving them all for after the campaign conclusion. This helps break up the tense atmosphere at just the right times.
Best Weapons and Strategies For Efficient Medallion Hunting
Now let‘s get tactical – what firearms and strategies work best for medallion collecting? While a trusty handgun can get the job done, I‘ve found the sniper rifle and shotgun most efficient for wiping out these tricky targets with minimal ammo expenditure.
The bolt-action rifle allows perfectly lined up headshots on medallions even at extremely long distances. This helps reveal ones placed cleverly out of normal line of sight. The wide spread of a shotgun blast gives room for error up close, destroying most standard medallions in an area quickly.
For particularly tiny or distant medallions, the scope weapon attachment is also hugely beneficial. Equipping a scope provides the precision sight picture for landing accurate shots and zooming in on deceptive placements. As a last resort with plentiful ammo, the TMP submachine gun can quickly pepper nearby medallions through spray fire.
Of course, studying the environment and thinking three-dimensionally is paramount too. Note places medallions are likely concealed from casual glances. Check interior ceilings or chambers, underneath structures, high up on buildings, through windows, and around corners in every new area. Their floating glow contrasts brightly with RE4‘s gritty textures.
Secret paths specifically leading to medallions located bring satisfaction akin to discovering hidden item boxes. Some can only be struck from specific spots after dropping down or unlocking new traversal methods as well. Take advantage of meticulous scanning assisted by RE4‘s stunning next-gen graphical overhaul.
Lastly, don‘t become discouraged if needing to revisit merchant notes after missed shots. Blue medallions will respawn indefinitely until hitting the requirement. Their durable nature means no need to restart requests due to wasted ammo or impatience.
Ranking the Top 5 Most Cleverly Hidden Medallions
To highlight just how creatively positioned some blue medallions ended up in RE4 remake, here is my personal ranking of the top 5 most challenging to successfully locate and destroy:
5. Castle Hall Chandelier – Only visible when looking directly up into the opulent chandelier hanging above the 2nd floor lounge area. The vibrant glow is visible from all floors though, hinting at its presence.
4. Quarry Cliffside – Practically unnoticeable when passing along the cliff paths, this medallion blends into the background high on wooden beams. Requires shooting a dangling lantern to discover.
3. Depot Fuel Tanks – Staying low to ground level inside the storage facility hides this sneaky medallion only visible from certain positions. The large rear tank fixtures conceal it.
2. Farm Wayshrine – Before even turning attention fully outdoors, an easy-to-miss medallion sits tucked behind the starting wayshrine‘s treasure box. Only patient players will uncover it.
1. Castle Dining Corner – My pick for most subtle and forgettable, a medallion hides in plain sight amid the posh curtains inside the lavish dining room. The decorative interior swallows its glow.
Part of what makes the blue medallions so special is how they prod gamers to examine standard environments more closely. Their unexpected placements add to the atmosphere of a threatening unknown still lingering ahead.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Side Challenge in Stride
Rather than a one-and-done shooting detour, RE4 remake elevates the blue medallions by integrating them into side quests spanning the entire experience. Their generous spinel rewards make exploration profitable on top of the satisfying target practice. I highly recommend taking on all six medallion requests incrementally while playing, blending stress relief between intense bouts of survival action.
Compared to other collectible staples of the iconic franchise, the blue orbs offer plenty in terms of quantity, attainability for different skill levels, and practical rewards. RE4 remake continues the 25 year tradition of Resident Evil games compelling gamers to examine every nook and cranny of danger for a brief escape. Keep an eagle eye out for their glow suspended throughout your mission, and happy medallion hunting!
