Topic: Which Zelda game would you recommend for a first time zelda player..

Ocarina of Time 3D. It was the first I played (back on the N64) and is a great, stand alone game that introduced the main tropes of the series in an understandable way (hero’s journey style). The 3D update looks lovely and with the addition of the hint system it should ease you into the series nicely.

In terms of top down Zelda the original is still great, but you might be surprised how tricky it can be (dungeon locations in particular). Link to the Past is also great (though I’ve never actually finished it; it’s next on my to do list).

Breath of the Wild is excellent but the least Zelda like in my opinion, bit it’s strength is it difference to previous games.

It’s a pity that you can’t play it unless you have a GameCube/OG Wii or Wii U but The Wind Waker is also a great introduction. Its art style and difficulty are great for newcomers.

TLDR
Ocarina of Time 3D
The Legend of Zelda / Link to the Past
Breathe of the Wild
(The Wind Waker)

I started with A Link to the Past, then Link's Awakening, then Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Zelda 1, Zelda 2, The Wind Waker, and from them on chronologically.

A Link to the Past made me a fan, Link's Awakening was beautiful, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask strengthen the deal as they were absolute masterpieces back then, and The Wind Waker (along with Chibi-Robo and Animal Crossing which are some of the Gamecube classics) brought me back to gaming when I was tired of playing the same old clones over and over. I also count Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild as Zelda masterpieces. And Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland - that's probably not a good entry point, but a great side-adventure if you got familiar with the series.

If I were you I'd start with A Link Between Worlds. It's a great game, entry level difficulty and (and this is my main argument!) after this, the other (recent) games don't feel like a downgrade in visuals at all (e.g. Link's Awakening Switch) or too much (e.g. A Link to the Past on NSO).

I'd also say A Link Between Worlds, Link's Awakening, or Ocarina of Time. Really, though, you can't go wrong with any of them!

I would say Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Its a great game, played it once with a good guide I found as I enjoy playing Zelda games with game guides haha

Assuming all titles are available, then probably either/both Ocarina of Time or/and Link Between Worlds. Both are relatively easy, accessible titles, and each represents the two types of Zelda games (2D and 3D).

If not, then your choices basically boil down to Breath of the Wild and Link's Awakening, and out of those two, I'd probably pick the latter, as it's a smaller, less ambitious game that also shares more overt similarities with the rest of the series.

Link's awakening. Either the original GB version or switch remake. Both are great starting points and it's the game that got me hooked on the series! I never got Zelda until i played that one. The first two were too difficult and confusing so i just watched friends play and LTTP got me lost the first time i played.

Breath of the Wild

It's the latest and the greatest Zelda game. It's also where the series is headed. After that game, if they want to play the older retro Zelda game they will. The younger generations will not be wowed with an early 3D game without a 360 degree camera or a 2D top down game.

The reasons you gave is exactly why I am saying Breath of the Wild. It's a new and fresh concept. It's light on the story, just like many of the other games the yonger generation are playing now. Also it's an open world game which they would be familar with. They could just pick it up and play it easily. Sure there's a difficulty curve, but it's way less than the Dark Souls games and nothing that the average gamer can't slowly improve upon.

Yes BotW is nothing like any other Zelda game. However it's everything like the other modern games they are playing now.

PS. I understand all the reasons you all are choosing other games. That's fine, we all have different opinions. Context also matters. For a 20 year old in 2020, BotW or another modern Zelda game could be chosen (though I prefer BotW). But for a 45 year old who is used to mostly retro gaming, you'd pick an older Zelda game for him. Who you are recommending to matters a lot.

I would start with the most perfect one, Ocarina of Time 3D but you can start with any because the timeline was shoehorned and each one has a clear start and ending. Just one thing, play Majora's Mask 3D after Ocarina of Time 3D.