Should I get this game, even though it lacks the main feature that drew me into the frahchise (spellmaking)?

(I assume that everyone knows what game I'm talking about based on when I'm asking this question.)

Go get it already

I haven't played it myself, but there is mod called "The Last Altar". If it meets your expectations ...
The game itself is difficult to get used to for TES veterans, but if you can accept the (very different) UI, perhaps you like it.
I'm sure it has game mechanics to figure out and to make optimal use of, but I can't really judge this side of the game. From a role-playing perspective it's ok, and the UI is survivable (although I'll always prefer the one from Morrowind or Oblivion).

A question to more experienced players of Skyrim: Is there a mod which lets me play Skyrim like one of the older TES games (control-wise, not only movement)?