I can envision most of what happens in Pokemon Go because I know a couple of Ingress players. That game looked really appealing to me back when, until I considered the ramifications of what information I'd have to share with this company not making any guarantee on how that information would be used...

Anyway, I'm deep underground in a large cave. There's a number of ladders hanging from the ceiling, but most are broken and don't reach the bottom of the cave. I can move deeper underground, but suspect I'll swiftly reach a barrier which I can only find a way past by collecting some of what I can find at the top of these ladders. Luckily there's a collection device right there. I just need the right lure...

It sounds like a platformer game? Anyway, I don't know the answer, but to get the ball rolling I'll ask a question: Is it recent or a classic, and is it on GOG?

It's a puzzle-platformer, yes. Relatively recent, and sadly not on GOG.

It's not Blocks that Matter, is it?

If not, another question to keep the ball rolling: Can you describe the player character?

It isn't.

I'm a bit of an inventor. I created myself a large backpack and a very versatile 'gun'.

Alas, no. :P The setting is somewhat less mundane than that. I did apparently invent lots of things though, but most seem to be big machines running on steam power or water pressure.

Sounds like Gateways.

That indeed has a lot of similarities - but the art style of this game is a lot more advanced.

Maybe another hint: Before I ventured underground, I was troubleshooting problems with my creations in an orchard.

I had a feeling I knew this game but now I'm 99% sure - Vessel (great game btw!)

Plus I forgot, your game is not on GOG.

Indeed! Well done. (Glad I didn't give in to the temptation to mention "steampunk"; would've been too easy with that.) :)

I've just got a new awesome pet that I can send on hunting. My companion insists on calling it Fluffy. Well, so be it ;)

Van Helsing.

Yup :) Here comes Fluffy!