Enderal: Forgotten Stories Review - A Total Conversion That Transcends Skyrim For years, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been a cornerstone of PC gaming, its modding community a testament to its enduring appeal.

For years, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been a cornerstone of PC gaming, its modding community a testament to its enduring appeal. But some mods aspire to more than simple tweaks and additions. Some aim to completely redefine the experience. Enderal: Forgotten Stories is one such mod. It’s not just an expansion; it's a total conversion that uses Skyrim only as a foundation upon which to build an entirely new game. As a seasoned PC gamer and long-time member of the modding community, I've seen countless attempts at this, but Enderal truly stands apart. Prepare to forget what you know about Skyrim – this is something else entirely.

A World Transformed: Stepping into Enderal

The first thing that strikes you about Enderal is its world. Forget the snowy peaks and rolling hills of Skyrim. Enderal is a land scarred by history, brimming with unique biomes and cultures. The towering city of Ark, a multi-tiered metropolis, dominates the landscape. Its opulent upper districts, home to the wealthy and powerful, stand in stark contrast to the squalid undercity where poverty and desperation fester.

Then there's the Whispering Woods, a place of eerie beauty. Bioluminescent flora casts an ethereal glow through the mist-shrouded canopy, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Venturing into the Powder Desert, you’ll be confronted with a landscape of stark beauty; its shimmering dunes and relentless sun present a brutal, unforgiving environment. Each region feels distinct and expertly crafted, breathing life into a world that feels both familiar and alien. This is not just Skyrim with a new coat of paint; it's a completely reimagined world with its own history, cultures, and secrets.

A Story of Madness and Mortality

Enderal abandons the familiar "chosen one" trope of Skyrim for a much darker, more mature, and philosophically complex narrative. Instead of dragons and dragon shouts, you'll grapple with themes of mental illness, existentialism, and the cyclical nature of history. The story centers on a protagonist haunted by visions and thrust into a conflict far greater than themselves.

The narrative structure is also more linear than Skyrim's, favoring a character-driven experience with meaningful choices. This isn't about endless exploration and radiant quests; it’s about uncovering a deeply personal and often disturbing story. Prepare to be challenged, not just by enemies, but by the moral ambiguities and philosophical questions the game presents. The narrative pulls no punches, often leaving you questioning your own perceptions and beliefs.

One particular moment that sticks with me is the protagonist's initial encounter with the High Ones. The sheer scale of the threat, coupled with the existential dread it inspires, is unlike anything I've experienced in an RPG. It's a moment that perfectly encapsulates the game's themes and sets the tone for the rest of the adventure.

A Skill System Redefined: Goodbye Godhood

Enderal's custom skill system is a significant departure from Skyrim's perk-based approach. It utilizes a class-based system with memory points, which dramatically influence the effectiveness of your abilities. The game nudges you towards specialization. You can't be a master of everything here. Want to be a powerful mage? Prepare to invest heavily in magical skills and sacrifice proficiency in combat or stealth.

This restriction prevents the "jack-of-all-trades" character builds that are common in Skyrim, encouraging you to carefully consider your choices and specialize in a particular playstyle. The "Memories" system is also extremely interesting because as you allocate points your character improves in that specialization.

Immersion Amplified: Gameplay That Matters

Playing Enderal is a significantly different experience than playing Skyrim. The world feels more alive, the story more engaging, and the challenges more meaningful. The change in gameplay mechanics elevates the experience, demanding more strategic thinking and resource management.

Enderal also features unique crafting and alchemy systems. These systems encourage exploration and resource gathering, requiring specific ingredients found only in certain regions. You can't just buy your way to success; you have to actively explore the world and learn its secrets.

Survival mechanics are also more prominent. You need to manage your hunger and thirst, adding another layer of challenge and immersion to the game. This isn't just a combat-focused experience; it's about surviving in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Technical Deep Dive: Installation and Performance

Enderal is a standalone installation that requires a clean Skyrim installation (the original, not Skyrim Special Edition or Anniversary Edition). It doesn't directly modify your Skyrim files, which is a huge plus for compatibility and stability.

The download and installation process is straightforward, handled through the Enderal launcher. Be prepared for a sizable download (approximately 20GB of data).

In terms of performance, Enderal is generally well-optimized, but it can be demanding on your system. On my mid-range gaming PC (Ryzen 5 3600, RTX 2060, 16GB RAM), I experienced occasional frame rate dips and stuttering, particularly in densely populated areas like Ark. The initial loading times can also be lengthy, potentially lasting several minutes, due to the sheer size of the game world and assets.

For those encountering issues, be aware that ENB compatibility can be problematic. Certain ENB presets, such as "Rudy ENB" and "RealVision ENB," are known to cause visual glitches or crashes. Also, make sure to apply the 4GB patch (easily found on Nexus Mods) or use the Steam launch parameter -heapsize1048576 to address memory limitations. These adjustments can significantly improve stability.

Community Acclaim: A Mod That Resonates

Enderal has garnered widespread acclaim within the Skyrim and broader gaming community. Its "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam (currently 95% positive) speaks volumes. It even won Best Singleplayer at the German Developer Awards 2017, a testament to its quality and ambition.

Discussions often arise about whether Enderal is a "better game" than Skyrim. Proponents argue that Enderal's superior narrative, world-building, and challenging gameplay elevate it beyond its predecessor. Conversely, others value Skyrim's greater freedom, replayability, and sandbox nature. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. But it's impossible to deny the impact Enderal has had on the modding scene and the wider RPG landscape.

SureAI, the development team, has continued to release patches and add-ons, further enhancing the experience. The community has also contributed significantly, creating bug fix patches and additional content.

Verdict: A Must-Play for RPG Enthusiasts

So, is Enderal: Forgotten Stories worth trying? Absolutely. It's a remarkable achievement that showcases the power and potential of modding. If you enjoy story-driven RPGs with mature themes and challenging gameplay, such as The Witcher 3 or Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you'll find plenty to love here.

Enderal is a must-play for gamers who appreciate well-written stories, detailed world-building, and a sense of discovery. Approach it as a new RPG, not just a Skyrim mod, and you'll be richly rewarded. The professional voice acting and original soundtrack contribute massively to the immersive experience, rivaling the quality of professional studios. This is more than just a mod; it's a testament to the passion and talent of the modding community. Download XenGamer Enderal today! You won't regret it.