Personally, I'm not creative enough to even create a story, let alone a game. But from the little writing I've done Zelda has definitely been an inspiration. The whole setting of Zelda appeals to me, you know, how an ordinary person can end up like a hero. Of course there's more to it than that, but it's always been one of my favorite things about the series.
This has to be a no from me.
When I write, (mostly Science-Fiction or Fantasy) I usually think of totally new ideas. If i'm stuck for ideas for characters or names, i'll consult my friends.
Sometimes I take little details from games and warp them into my own creations. (E.g- A character design or name).
I always have this problem. I had this idea for a 'game' that was pretty much just Majora's Mask in a non-Zelda game. Although now I think I've chagned it enough so that you can still see some of the elements from MM, but with some '(more) original ideas.
I always at least base my ideas off of a real game. That way it's easier to comtinue on with them.