1: The Minus World is a glitch in the game. By passing through a wall near World 1-2's exit (due to said glitch) it is possible to get to "World -1," also known as the "Minus World," which is considered by the game to be "World 36." It is the same as World 2-2 and World 7-2, but the warp pipe at the end takes [the player] back to the start of the level.
2: Yes. I'm not quite sure if you want examples, but here's one: in
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) the Psyko Kamek, in Little Fungitown, is wearing a robe from a White Mage from the Final Fantasy series.
3: This was the release of the original
Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan only) to the rest of the world. The "
Super Mario Bros. 2" that was outside of Japan was actually another game,
Doki Doki Panic, with the sprites switched to those of Mario and co. because they felt the real
Super Mario Bros. 2 was too hard for other gamers and would make them lose interest in the series.
4: Yes. I think...

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Four Gods wait on the windowsill
Where once eight Gods did war and will
And if the Gods themselves may die
What does that say for you and I?