I'd like to point out to the people who are mentioning Shovel Knight, Quote, (No one mentioned Shantae SMH) and the like:
despite the fact I believe this is a kneejerk thread, his very last sentence did exclude 2D games from the whole "indies suck at making characters".
With that being said, this thread's basis doesn't really make any sense. Some games claim to be spiritual successors, true. I don't believe most of the ones you posted pictures for do though. Some state they are inspired by a certain game, or its an ode to a certain game, but nonetheless they don't really claim that they are replacements.
Some of these games I recognize and it befuddles me the way you're framing them. A Hat in Time is good by any standard. What's the point to comparing it to Mario?
Skylar and Plux absolutely does not look like a mobile game. Cinematics-wise? Sure. Is it the most charasmatic? Don't think so. However, the gameplay itself looks pretty good.
How long ago have you been saving that Clive 'N' Wrench picture? Since 2016 it has looked nothing like that.
I'm not going to defend the games to the degree that they are the new golden age of mascots or something, but keep in mind you're comparing indie studios to companies that had a lot more staff and resources. Even then, many were not good for their time. Unless of course you want to explain how Bubsy 3D puts these games to shame.
