[colpet]

I think the independents are designing games that adventure fans want to play. Their intent is not to conquer the mainstream market, as perhaps some of the larger productions seem to want to do. Most of the indie developers I'm familiar with play adventures and frequent the forums, so they have a good sense of what the community wants. Not only is the quality of these games high, but there is a variety for all tastes - puzzlers, 1st person and 3rd person. I've recently played some smaller productions:
Remedy - a beautiful, simple game
Delaware St. John Vol 1 and 2 - I loved these games. The main characters have chemistry reminiscent of Gabe and Grace, and the atmosphere is good and spooky.
Lifestream and Shady Brook - with lots of characters to talk to, this wasn't my ideal game, however, I throughly enjoyed the strategy guide with its easter eggs explanations, plot discussion, and lists of goals for each chapter.
Of course there's always the 'older' indies - Dark Fall 1 and 2, Rhem, Harvest, Arrangement, Cracking the Conspiracy, and Last Half of Darkness - all of which gave me as much or more entertainment than some of the bigger titles.
On my to be played shelf I've got - Rhem 2, Scratches, Hauntings of Mystery Manor and Barrow Hill.
I'm looking forward to more information about Lunar Deep, Destinies, Lost Crown, Scavenger Hunter, Beyond the Spirit's Eye, Delaware Vol 3, Ilathid, Sev Tsahno and Thesis.