...Or derivations, if you think that term is more appropriate.
Here is a thread where we discuss game music, but not just game music of any kind. I'm talking about themes that were clearly inspired by and/or referencing another piece of music, be it a classical symphony, a popular song, a piece of folk music, or even other VGM.
I'll start with a few well-known examples:
Banjo-Kazooie: Gruntilda's Lair - Grant Kirkhope
The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Paul Dukas
(if you have trouble hearing it, pay attention to the rhythm of the initial motif at 2:15)
Super Mario Bros. 3: Airship - Koji Kondo
Mars: The Bringer of War - Gustav Holst
Chrono Trigger: Robo Roll - Yasunori Mitsuda*
Rick Roll - Rick Astley
*Note: Mitsuda has denied ever hearing Astley's song until the resemblance was brought up to him. Still, it's uncanny...
Final Fantasy IX: The Final Battle - Nobou Uematsu
Tarkus: Eruption - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
There are many more, but I will leave them to you for now.
Note that I am not placing judgment on any of these composers for using other's material. Everyone does it, from Bach to Beethoven, and it has nothing to do with talent, creativity or originality. I have nothing but respect for these talented musicians, and I hope we will all find something of value in this thread.
