Yeah Hollow it's not, but it's an amazing game with a narrative structure and ambience that resembles that of Souls games (or probably better explained, just are inspired on). With some inspired-on-souls mechanics too (or even borrowed). It appeals to me more than Salt and Sanctuary, way more. But yeah I wouldn't recommend Hollow as a 2d souls game either.
Yeah, Hollow Knight definitely gave me a similar sense of mystery and wonder that not many self-proclaimed Souls-likes are able to capture.I would definetely recommend it over Salt and Sanctuary as a Souls-like game tho, it's a better game and better in it's similarities to Souls. Played a bunch of Souls-like and none of them captured the essence as good as it did, even if they tried really hard( and usually without a lot of imagination)
The general tone and presentation is very subdued and elegant. The way you come across NPCs and progress their side quests. NPC dialogue and diction feels genuine, and the writing in general also manages to say a lot without saying much (one of the best bestiaries ever). The way you gradually work your way further/deeper into the unknown... Other games capture that last one quite well, but few are able to deliver on the initial points like HK does.