Enderal: Forgotten Stories - A Total Conversion That Transcends the Skyrim Formula For years, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has reigned supreme as one of the most modded games of all time.
For years, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has reigned supreme as one of the most modded games of all time. But amidst the sea of texture packs, weapon mods, and minor tweaks, one project stands head and shoulders above the rest: Enderal: Forgotten Stories. Don't let the "mod" label fool you; Enderal is a completely standalone game built within the Skyrim engine. Developed by the talented team at SureAI, it delivers a brand new world, a gripping narrative, unforgettable characters, revamped gameplay mechanics, and a stunning original soundtrack. If you're a PC gamer craving a rich, immersive RPG experience that dares to break the mold, Enderal is an absolute must-play.
A Story of Trauma, Prophecy, and Moral Ambiguity
Forget the chosen one narrative. In Enderal, you're not destined to save the world. You're a troubled individual, haunted by a dark past as a "Fleshless One," arriving in the land of Enderal seeking solace and a fresh start. But fate, as it often does, has other plans. You quickly become entangled in a cataclysmic prophecy, a looming disaster known as the "Red Madness" that threatens to consume everything.
The story is mature, complex, and unafraid to tackle heavy themes like memory, identity, psychological trauma, and the cyclical nature of destruction. The "Red Madness," a plague that drives people to violent insanity, casts a long shadow over the land, while the machinations of the enigmatic Veiled Woman add layers of mystery and intrigue. You'll forge alliances with various factions, such as the Order, protectors of the light, and the morally ambiguous Rhalâta, each with their own agendas and secrets.
What sets Enderal apart is its commitment to moral ambiguity. There are no easy answers, no clear-cut heroes or villains. Your choices have real consequences, forcing you to confront your own values and make difficult decisions that will shape the fate of Enderal and its inhabitants. This isn't your typical good-versus-evil fantasy; it's a nuanced exploration of human nature and the cost of survival.
Vyn: A World Unlike Anything You've Seen in Skyrim
Enderal's world, known as Vyn, is vastly different from the familiar landscapes of Skyrim. From the autumnal forests of the Heartlands to the desolate Sun Coast and the imposing Frostcliff Mountains, Vyn offers a diverse and breathtaking environment to explore.
The capital city of Ark is a true marvel – a sprawling metropolis built around a massive chasm, its towering spires and winding streets reflecting a blend of medieval and Renaissance-inspired architecture. Contrast this with the Whispering Forest, a place of eerie silence where ancient trees whisper secrets and the veil between reality and illusion thins.
The atmosphere of Vyn is thick with a sense of ancient mystery and impending doom. Throughout your travels, you'll encounter signs of the coming cataclysm, adding to the game's unsettling and immersive atmosphere. This isn't just a new map; it's a meticulously crafted world with its own history, culture, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Imagine exploring the Sunken Coast under the pale light of a dying sun, ghostly ships rising from the fog-shrouded waters, their skeletal masts reaching towards the sky, while the haunting melody of Marvin Kopp's "The Path" plays in the background. It's moments like these that truly set Enderal apart.
Gameplay: A Departure from the Skyrim Formula
Enderal doesn't just change the scenery; it overhauls the core gameplay mechanics of Skyrim. The classless progression system allows for greater character customization. Instead of choosing a specific class at the start, you invest "Learning Points" earned through leveling up into various talent trees, such as Lycantropy, Elementalist, or Sinistrope, allowing you to create a truly unique character build.
The crafting and alchemy systems are far more intricate than Skyrim's, requiring you to discover recipes and gather rare ingredients to create powerful potions and enchantments. Forget simply picking flowers and mixing them together; Enderal's crafting demands exploration and experimentation.
But the most significant addition is the mental health system. In Enderal, your character's sanity is a precious resource that must be carefully managed. Traumatic events, exposure to the supernatural, and the use of certain skills can all negatively impact your mental state, leading to hallucinations, stat penalties, and even a complete mental breakdown.
The "Memory Point" system, unlocked after level-ups, allows you to invest in permanent stat bonuses, further customizing your character. These aren't simply incremental upgrades; they represent your character's growth and adaptation to the harsh realities of Enderal. Players are compelled to scavenge for resources, manage their sanity, and carefully consider their choices, knowing that every decision has consequences.
The Feel of Enderal
Playing Enderal is an experience unlike any other. The mental health system adds a layer of psychological tension, forcing you to balance your desire for power with the risk of losing your grip on reality. Encounters with mystical creatures and disturbing visions create a constant sense of unease, making Enderal a truly unsettling and immersive experience. You are not an all-powerful hero; you are a vulnerable individual struggling to survive in a world on the brink of destruction.
Technical Aspects: Installation and Requirements
Enderal requires a legal copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (original or Special Edition). However, it's installed as a completely standalone game via the official Enderal Launcher, which you can download from the SureAI website.
This standalone installation is crucial. It prevents conflicts with other Skyrim mods and ensures better stability and performance. The installation process is straightforward: download the launcher, select your Skyrim installation directory, and let the launcher download and install the game files. Manual installation is not supported and can lead to serious errors, so stick to the official launcher.
Recommended system requirements are similar to Skyrim's, but Enderal benefits from a more powerful CPU and GPU due to its enhanced graphics and complex scripting. While it runs well on most modern PCs, be aware that some users have reported compatibility issues with older graphics cards.
Known Bugs: One common issue is the HUD appearing too small on high-resolution monitors. Fortunately, there's a simple fix: install the "Smaller HUD" mod by TheCareTaker on Nexus Mods.
Community Reception: A Fan-Made Masterpiece
Enderal has cultivated a dedicated following within the Skyrim and wider gaming community. The Enderal subreddit (/r/enderal) is a thriving hub for lore discussions, fan theories, artwork, and gameplay guides.
The game's accolades speak for themselves. Enderal won "Best Fan-Created Game" at The Game Awards, a testament to its exceptional quality and impact. YouTube channels like SorcererDave and FudgeMuppet have produced extensive lore analyses, gameplay walkthroughs, and reviews of Enderal, praising its narrative depth, world-building, and challenging gameplay.
While debates exist within the community regarding Enderal's difficulty and its mature themes, the overwhelming sentiment is that it's a masterpiece of fan-made content, offering a unique and unforgettable RPG experience. Some players find the game too punishing or emotionally disturbing, but most agree that its challenging gameplay and thought-provoking narrative are well worth the effort.
Verdict: An RPG Experience That Will Stay With You
Enderal: Forgotten Stories is an absolute must-play for PC gamers seeking a narrative-driven RPG with mature themes, challenging gameplay, and immersive world-building. If you enjoy games like The Witcher 3 or Kingdom Come: Deliverance and are willing to step outside the familiar confines of Skyrim, Enderal is a transformative experience that redefines what a mod can achieve.
However, if you're expecting a typical dragon-slaying power fantasy, Enderal is not for you. This is a game that demands patience, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. But if you're up for the challenge, Enderal will reward you with a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the power of fan-made content and a reminder that some of the best gaming experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.