My takes are:
Creature Keeper and PalWorld if you like pokemon.
N1RV_AnnA, love this type of bartender games.
Some that are less “indie” are Mina the Hollower and Citizen Sleeper 2.
Hades 2 but it definitely feels, like you said, less indie at this point due to the first’s colosal success.
I didn’t know there were plans to do a sequel! I just bought it
Silksong and Hades 2
Cocoon, from the lead gameplay designer behind Limbo and Inside. Comes out Sept 29th. I can’t wait.
And published by Annapurna Interactive to boot (also published Stray, Outer Wilds, and What Remains of Edith Finch). Got it wishlisted too :)
I love Annapurna
The one I’m making.
Tell me more
2D Metroidvania called Autonomous Odyssey: sunoraclegames.com
Dream BBQ
I’ve been waiting for defenders quest 2 for the better part of 7 years now! Very excited it’s getting closer.
Monaco 2 is looking much more large scale of a game than the first one, but the first one was such stupid fun multiple, I feel like it’ll be gta2 to gta2 upgrade in gameplay and graphics.
Streets of rogue 2 is coming, that was a fun one.
I’m also excited for book of aliens, book of demons was in no way original but a great parody game with original styling and good humor. I’m curious to see how the developers do an rts/StarCraft style genre, their diablo was on point.
Split signal is hopefully anothe very simple to play puzzle games from one of my favorite 2 minute play time window games lyne.
But far and away the one I’m most looking forward to is defenders quest 2.
Lies of P: it comes out today, so we shall see. I’m looking for something to scratch the fromsoft itch until the elden ring dlc comes out. Idk how I’ll feel about playing a named character though; hopefully the storytelling will be strong enough to support that.
House flipper 2: I really enjoyed the first game, so I’m excited to see how they iterate on it going forward.
Scene Investigator: I loved their first game The Painscreek Killings (sadly never talked about when investigation games come up in gaming communities, definitely a gem), and the investigation genre is one of my favorites. It’s a genre that is still evolving in exciting ways, so I can’t wait to see how this game pushes it forward.
Shashingo: a learn-Japanese-vocab game played via taking in-game photos. I’m always looking for fun methods of beefing up my language learning, and Japanese is one of those languages that seems to mostly fall flat on language learning apps. So this one looks fun :)
Balatro
Party Animals looks like a damn good time
Not upcoming but dark and darker just released and has been the best gaming experience I’ve had in years. Would highly recommend to almost anyone
I’m excited for Manor Lord
Mineko’s Night Market.