Is one always dependent on the HyperNext Player or is there a way to hive off standalone applications from HyperNext?
No, because HN Creator can build standalone apps for Windows and Mac OS X.
V3.85 can also build standalone apps for Mac OS 9.
Unfortunately with Apple's recent changes to the OS X file system, HN and its built apps won't run on OS X High Sierra.
There are build options on the HN Creator's menu bar.