Breath of the Wild is probably the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the phrase "modern classic." It is a landmark in the modern gaming industry, and its influence will be felt for years to come.

Breath of the Wild sports a very pleasing art style that feels like you're running through paintings or jumping straight out of the concept art, and the very lowkey music is an interesting approach that subtly adds worldbuilding.
The core gameplay loop is satisfying and just feels like a video game. Collecting materials, finding new weapons once yours break, battling enemies, discovering the huge, sprawling map you're allowed to discover...there's always something to be done and it's almost always something you want to do. The champions are also great supporting characters and gaining their abilities while learning their stories is tragic but beautiful.

I think I'm taking half a star off NOT for anything objective--I appreciate the objective quality of this game--but just because it wasn't my favorite game to play. Nothing wrong with it! I just haven't ever been a big Zelda fan and there were times where I would have preferred to be playing Devil May Cry 5 because the action is more instant gratification-y.