Enderal: Forgotten Stories Review - A Skyrim Mod That's a Whole New Game For years, we PC gamers have been blessed with mods – those fantastic creations that breathe new life into our favorite titles, pushing them beyond their original limits.

For years, we PC gamers have been blessed with mods – those fantastic creations that breathe new life into our favorite titles, pushing them beyond their original limits. We’ve seen texture packs that make visuals pop, gameplay tweaks that refine mechanics, and even entire overhauls that fundamentally change the experience. But every once in a while, a mod comes along that transcends mere enhancement and delivers something truly extraordinary. Enderal: Forgotten Stories, a total conversion mod for Skyrim, is one such creation. This isn't just another coat of paint; it's a completely new RPG built on the foundation of Skyrim, and it's an experience every serious PC gamer needs to consider.

What Enderal Actually Is: More Than Just a Mod

Let's be clear: Enderal: Forgotten Stories isn't Skyrim with a few extra quests and items. It's a standalone RPG experience that uses Skyrim's engine as its base. Developed by SureAI, it boasts a completely new world, lore, and narrative. Forget dragons and the Dragonborn; Enderal plunges you into a world on the brink of destruction, where you play as a character with a mysterious past, caught in a web of political intrigue, religious fanaticism, and impending doom.

The differences extend far beyond the story. Enderal features its own unique skill trees, a revamped magic system, and a meticulously handcrafted world map filled with diverse environments. This isn't a randomly generated landscape; every mountain pass, every ancient ruin, every bustling city feels deliberately placed and brimming with detail. It's a testament to the passion and dedication of the SureAI team. This mod is a completely new game with its own executable file that is separate from Skyrim.

Gameplay: A Stark Departure from Skyrim

The gameplay in Enderal is where the mod truly distinguishes itself from vanilla Skyrim. The changes are profound and impact every aspect of the game. For starters, the leveling system is overhauled. Gone are the days of simply increasing a skill by using it. Enderal requires a more strategic approach, using learning points gained from leveling up and skill books to advance your abilities. This forces you to make meaningful choices about your character's development.

One of the most interesting features is the revamped magic system. Take, for example, the "Mentalism" skill tree. This isn't your typical fireball-slinging mage. Mentalism focuses on manipulating the minds of your enemies, using illusions, fear, and mind control to turn them against each other. It's a far more strategic and nuanced approach to combat than simply blasting everything with destruction magic. It adds a tactical layer rarely seen in Skyrim.

Player choice is paramount in Enderal. The narrative is complex and morally ambiguous, with consequences for your actions that ripple throughout the game. The immersion is amplified by the excellent voice acting and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The difference in overall enjoyment compared to vanilla Skyrim is subjective, of course, but for those seeking a more mature and challenging RPG experience, Enderal delivers in spades.

Installation, Stability, and Performance

Now, let's talk about the technical side. Installing Enderal is relatively straightforward, but it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully. You'll need a clean installation of Skyrim (the original, not Special Edition for the base version of Enderal, though a Special Edition version is also available). Enderal installs separately as a standalone game, with its own launcher. This means it doesn't rely on standard mod managers like NMM or Mod Organizer, simplifying the process but also requiring a different approach to troubleshooting.

Stability is generally good, but as with any large-scale mod, occasional crashes can occur. Performance is surprisingly solid, considering the scope of the project. The graphics are impressive, with crisp textures, distinct lighting, and atmospheric environments that truly bring the world of Enderal to life. Expect a similar performance profile to Skyrim, but with potentially higher demands in densely populated areas.

Community Reception: A Divided Opinion on Combat

Enderal: Forgotten Stories has garnered widespread popularity and critical acclaim within the PC gaming community. Many consider it to be one of the best total conversion mods ever made, praising its compelling story, immersive world, and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, one aspect of the mod has sparked a divided opinion: the combat system.

Some players find Enderal's combat more challenging and rewarding than Skyrim's. The increased difficulty, coupled with the need for strategic resource management and careful planning, forces you to approach each encounter with caution. Others, however, find the combat tedious and unforgiving. The reliance on dodging and precise timing can be frustrating for those accustomed to Skyrim's more forgiving combat.

It's important to acknowledge both perspectives. The combat in Enderal is undeniably different from Skyrim, and it may not appeal to everyone. However, for those willing to embrace the challenge, it offers a more engaging and rewarding experience.

Given its scope and independent nature, Enderal is largely discussed separately from Skyrim modding in dedicated forums and communities. This is a testament to its status as a complete game in its own right.

Verdict: Is Enderal Worth Playing?

So, is Enderal: Forgotten Stories worth trying? Absolutely. If you're a PC gamer seeking a challenging RPG experience with a rich lore, a mature narrative, and a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly different, then Enderal is a must-play. It's best suited for players who appreciate intricate storytelling, are willing to adapt to a combat system that diverges from Skyrim's, and enjoy exploring meticulously crafted environments.

While the combat may not be for everyone, the overall quality of Enderal is undeniable. The SureAI team has created something truly special, a testament to the power of modding and the passion of the PC gaming community. And the best part? It's completely free. So, what are you waiting for? Download Enderal: Forgotten Stories and prepare to be transported to a world unlike anything you've experienced in Skyrim.

It's a prime example of why PC gaming, and modding in particular, continues to thrive. It’s projects like Enderal that constantly redefine the boundaries of game development and deliver experiences that rival, and sometimes even surpass, those created by established studios. Download it today and find out why.