in order to meet earthbound status
Additional Criteria:
1) Marginal/No marketing whatsoever (in U.S. that is)
2) Poor sales, comparatively speaking (and they wonder why)
3) Rapid cult following 10+ years after release
4) RPG (has to be, because of unique experience and replay value)
5) Has to involve a character named Poo
Fact: Earthbound is the greatest game ever made