MAJOR PLOT TWIST DUDE. I am not actually referring to a Zelda game set in modern times. I am instead referring to a Zelda game designed with more modern gaming conventions in mind to make something unique and enjoyable. Here are the main elements that differ this concept from current Zelda games:
OPEN WORLD
The Legend of Zelda series is just begging to be open-world. After all, the first game was, allowing you to go anywhere and do anything you wanted as long as you had the rupees and the right items.
This would be true in my game as well, save for a few world elements that would need plot-based activation (such as a hidden dungeon entrance), but there would be no specific order for the dungeons, or anything else for that matter. In addition to the main plot, side quests would be able to be accepted from NPCs. Link would keep track of these in a quest book.
MINIMAL HUD
The heads up display would be kept to a bare minimum. Hearts and Rupees, and menu screens when necessary. For the map Link would pull out a physical map and hold it close to the camera, while the game switches into first person. For the quest log Link would pull out a physical book in the same manner. Other things, such as interaction cues, would be shown hovering over the interactive object in the game world rather than on a HUD.
CONTROLS
As this would be a fan game, controls would be designed for PC like modern third person PC games. The mouse would look, left and right click would perform the primary and secondary functions of the currently equipped weapon or item. WASD would move Link, etc.
Mouse looking means you would be able to aim Link's sword to attack enemies above or below you rather than use an artificial lock-on system.
NPCS
Not a ton to say in this section, but the NPCs would be voice acted. Link, of course, would remain stoically silent, as is his character.
Yeah, those are my ideas for the time being. If you have any really good ones feel free to chime in. Also, I'd be happy to make this game, but I kinda absolutely suck at 3d art, and I admit that. So if any 3d artists are willing to go collab with me I'd love to give it a shot. (Art style in my head is somewhere in between Wind Waker's full out cartoony graphics and proportions, and the realistic style of TP. Like, realistic proportions, but with simple textures and lighting. Of course, whatever you're capable of works for me).