Time for an update...
I played Shiren the Wanderer 5 on the Switch and was inspired. It's a turn based roguelike with a dense amount of mechanics. But it also has lots of optional dungeons to try. And a puzzle mode. And minesweeper.
This helped me visualise a way forwards: Lots of different dungeons.
I think what worked in Ending was the small selection of mechanics. I like the infinite variety of the endless dungeon, but it stops one from exploring specific aspects of play.
More dungeons means new types of player, like the player-turner. This form makes you very vulnerable, but it also allows you to pass turns in place by facing new directions. I've been making lots of new puzzles with this form to figure out a new dungeon.
In the meantime, Ending fans can enjoy a mostly faithful recreation of the prequel to Unending in Unending. Offering almost the same experience but with better controls, gamepad support, and the ability to save and share your progress. Like so:
Unending Daily continues. I'm thinking that when I have around 200 puzzles saved I'll create a new puzzle campaign. A 1st draft. Unlike Ending there will be a non-linear progression. I think that once you hit a certain quantity of mechanics you need to let people explore avenues that interest them.
I'm thinking about that eventual Steam page I'll have to put up. I want at least 3 dungeons and a fun if not completely solid puzzle campaign before that happens. After that, more puzzles, more dungeons, more mechanics.