Beyond Skyrim: A XenGamer Review of Enderal: Forgotten Stories !

For seasoned PC gamers, the allure of a sprawling RPG is undeniable. We crave worlds to get lost in, stories that grip us, and characters that stay with us long after the credits roll. While Skyrim offered a vast sandbox, some of us yearned for something more – a tighter narrative, a darker tone, and a complete reimagining of the RPG experience. Enter Enderal: Forgotten Stories, a total conversion mod for Skyrim Special Edition that isn't just an expansion; it's a completely new game. Forget Tamriel; Enderal offers a handcrafted world, a mature storyline, and gameplay mechanics that challenge everything you thought you knew about Skyrim. Is it worth your time? Let's dive in.

What is Enderal: Forgotten Stories? A World Apart

Enderal: Forgotten Stories isn't your average Skyrim mod. This is a total conversion, meaning it scraps almost everything from the base game and replaces it with its own content. Forget dragons and shouts; Enderal presents a world teetering on the brink of destruction, plagued by a mysterious disease known as the Red Madness and prophecies of impending doom. You play as a character touched by fate, thrust into a world far removed from Tamriel's familiar landscapes.

A New World to Explore: Enderal

Forget the snowy peaks of Skyrim; Enderal boasts a diverse and meticulously crafted world. From the scorching sands of the Powder Desert, where survival is a constant struggle, to the haunting beauty of the Whispering Forest, where ancient secrets lie hidden, each biome feels distinct and alive. The environmental storytelling is masterful, hinting at a rich history and the struggles of its inhabitants.

And then there's Ark, the capital city. A towering metropolis built upon multiple tiers, Ark visually represents the stark social stratification of Enderal society. The architecture is stunning, a blend of fantasy and gothic influences, and exploring its winding streets and hidden corners is a rewarding experience in itself. The level of detail is truly impressive, rivaling that of many standalone RPGs.

A Story of Madness and Fate

At its heart, Enderal is a story-driven RPG. The main quest revolves around the Red Madness and the player's role in the unfolding events. You're not a Dragonborn; you're something else entirely, something perhaps even more terrifying. The narrative is complex and morally ambiguous, forcing you to make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences.

Questlines like "The Golden Sickle," which delves into the criminal underworld of Ark and the moral compromises people make to survive, and "A Song in the Silence," a haunting exploration of loss and the search for meaning, exemplify the game's thematic depth. These aren't just fetch quests; they're carefully crafted stories that explore the darker aspects of humanity.

A Different Kind of Progression: Classless and Meaningful

Enderal abandons Skyrim's traditional class system in favor of a classless approach. Instead of leveling up specific skills, you earn memory points that can be invested in various talent trees. This allows for greater character customization and encourages experimentation. Want to be a mage who can also hold their own in melee combat? Enderal gives you the freedom to build your character the way you want. This system is called the FATE system within the game.

Gameplay Impact: Where Enderal Shines (and Sometimes Stumbles)

Enderal feels different from Skyrim. The narrative takes center stage, and the game doesn't shy away from exploring mature themes like mental health, morality, and the consequences of power.

Morally Grey Choices and Their Ramifications

Prepare to make some tough decisions. Enderal presents you with choices that aren't always black and white, and your actions have real consequences. For example, early in the game, you encounter a desperate family begging for help. Do you risk your own safety to aid them, knowing that it could lead to danger? Or do you turn a blind eye and prioritize your own survival? These choices aren't just window dressing; they can impact your relationships with other characters and even alter the course of the story.

Sanity as a Resource: Survival Redefined

Forget simply managing your health and stamina; in Enderal, you also need to maintain your mental health. Certain areas and events can drain your sanity, leading to debilitating debuffs. You'll need to rely on potions and other remedies to keep your mind intact, adding a new layer of challenge to the survival aspect.

No Radiant Quests: Every Quest Matters

Say goodbye to endless radiant quests. Enderal features a meticulously crafted questline where every mission is designed with care and intention.

Technical Side: Installation, Stability, and Performance

Installing Enderal is relatively straightforward via the Skyrim Special Edition launcher. However, be aware that it's a demanding mod, and performance can vary depending on your hardware.

Installation

The best way to install Enderal: Forgotten Stories is through the Steam Workshop. Simply locate the Enderal page within the Workshop and click download. Steam will handle the rest. A standalone version is also available on the Nexus Mods website, though the installation for this version is more manual.

Stability and Performance

Enderal can be taxing on your system. Older graphics cards may struggle to maintain stable frame rates, and certain ENB configurations can lead to crashes. Be prepared to tweak your settings to find a balance between visual fidelity and performance. You may encounter issues with cutscenes as well, requiring further modification of graphics settings.

Compatibility

Due to its nature as a total conversion, Enderal is generally not compatible with other Skyrim mods. Attempting to use them can lead to crashes and other issues. It's best to play Enderal as a standalone experience.

Community Reception: A Dedicated Following

Enderal has garnered a dedicated following within the modding community. Its presence on Nexus Mods and Steam Workshop boasts impressive download numbers and overwhelmingly positive ratings, a testament to its quality and impact.

The community forums are a hub of activity, filled with discussions about lore, gameplay, and character builds. One popular fan theory revolves around the identity of the Veiled Woman, a mysterious figure who plays a crucial role in the story. The intricate lore and storytelling of Enderal create a welcoming place for discussions and debates.

Verdict: Is Enderal Worth Playing?

Absolutely. Enderal: Forgotten Stories is a triumph of modding. It's a narrative-rich RPG experience that surpasses many standalone titles in terms of world-building, storytelling, and character development.

If you're seeking a dark, mature story with morally grey choices and a world that feels truly alive, Enderal is a must-play. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the sandbox gameplay of Skyrim or prioritize action over story. But for those of us who crave depth, narrative, and a world that stays with you long after the credits roll, Enderal: Forgotten Stories is a masterpiece.