>>715383579
I just don't see how Cave Story is in any way similar to it. As for Hollow Knight, partially yes and no. Delving into the mines, caves and the abyss evokes a similar feeling but the rest pf the game just isn't there. I would also add Ender Lillies' Verboten Domain into this category.
I would still say S.T.A.L.K.E.R. gives off the closest feeling to what MiA game should be, despite having next to no verticality.