Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
New games 2026: images of Saros, GTA 6, Beast of Reincarnation, and 007 First Light with a plus sign in the middle.
Games New games 2026 and beyond: The biggest video game release dates for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, Switch, and more
Edelgard pointing in a commanding stance in Fire Emblem: Three Houses
RPGs 10 Best Turn-based RPGs of all time
Ghost of Yotei gameplay showing Atsu sitting on her horse between bright pink cherry blossoms, looking at a distant fortification built against a mountain
Open World Games Best open world games to play in 2026 and completely forget real life exists
A screenshot of Gustave in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, one of the best RPGs you can play in 2026
RPGs The 25 best RPGs worth playing in 2026
Best PSP games: A screenshot of someone playing GTA on a PSP.
Games The 25 best PSP games of all time
Best PC games: Screenshots of Baldur's Gate 3, Helldivers 2, Split Fiction and the Resident Evil 4 Remake
PC Gaming The 25 best PC games to play in 2026
Portal 2
Games I've been with my partner for 8 years, and these are our favorite couples games that I'd recommend for your next date night
Best PS1 Games: a picture of a PS1 console next to a collection of games.
Games The 25 best PS1 games of all time
Peak screenshot showing players climbing an icy cliff
Co-op Games The 25 best co-op games you can play in 2026
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker screenshot of Link conducting
Games In 2003, Shigeru Miyamoto figured it was Nintendo's "duty to produce alternatives to GTA"
A picture of a Nintendo 3DS console next to several of the best 3DS games and Nintendo cards.
Games The 25 best Nintendo 3DS games of all time
Where winds meet character codes
Action RPGs The best Where Winds Meet character creation codes
The GamesRadar+ upcoming PC games for 2026 banner image shows Batman standing before a moonlit backdrop in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight, James Bond in 007 First Light, an abstract woman's face in Control Resonant, and Coen in The Blood of Dawnwalker
PC Gaming Upcoming PC games: New PC games for 2026 and beyond
Astarian looking pensive with his hand resting on his chin in Baldur's Gate 3
Games The 25 best Steam games to play in 2026
A PS2 games console standing next to some of the best PS2 games and a black controller.
Games The 25 best PS2 games of all time
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Fighting Games
  3. Mortal Kombat
  4. Mortal Kombat X

Party games: 7 ways video game characters celebrate their birthday

Features
By Samuel James Riley published 1 October 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The cake is nigh!

The cake is nigh!

What better way to commemorate your bold escape from a fully functioning human orifice than with plenty of cake, cards, and eye-stabbing headwear? Birthdays, eh? Aren't they just great? For one solitary day a year every single man, woman and child on earth (probably) gets to do absolutely everything they want, all day, irrespective of social stigma, better judgment and stringent anti-nudity laws. Actually scratch that last bit; the police weren't nearly as understanding as I'd hoped

Of course video game characters are no exception to this rule, though few (if any) games have ever deigned to show us exactly what our favourite creations get up to. Well, I say 'nuts to that', let's have a good old gander at these birthday boys and girls in action. Who goes where, who drinks what, and which of Sonic's friends trashed his dad's flat? Some of these answers, and more ahead!

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
Mario and friends opt for some unusual fancy dress

Mario and friends opt for some unusual fancy dress

When did the Super Mario Bros. become so darn popular amongst drunken students? It's gotten to the point now where you can't even walk two blocks of a college campus--or three streets around university--without running into some kind of sloshed up reveller rocking the famous cap and coveralls. I wonder what the portly plumber himself would make of all this and, more to point, what he might wear in their place?

The answer to that question is actually rather obvious. A merry-making Mario would inevitably dress up as your average, everyday 20-something. With his 34th name day fast approaching, Ninty's moustachioed mascot will no doubt be out hitting up clubs, guzzling mushrooms, and doing irreparable damage to his liver: all the while decked out in the latest tat from GAP. Wahoo!

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
Scorpion sulks at a no-show house party

Scorpion sulks at a no-show house party

Poor old Scorpion, he's been quite literally 'down in the dumps' as of late. First he suffers the loss of his entire family--in a freak ninja storm, no less--the next he's serving evil Quan Chi as a hot-headed errand boy. As his sworn enemy Sub Zero might attest: "that is simply not cool". No Mr. Zero, it very much isnt.

With few acquaintances left in the world, and even fewer friends--roasting folks alive isnt the ice-breaker it once was--perhaps this big birthday bash wasn't such a bright idea after all. Johnny has a thing, Sonya's out of town; Shao Kahn is just so, like swamped with work stuff right now. Face it Scorp: no one's turning up, not even Darrius, and that guy's the biggest douche in all of Earthrealm. "Come on you guys, get over here!"

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
John Marston takes all of the fun out of laser tag

John Marston takes all of the fun out of laser tag

Everybody knows someone who enjoys the sweet sound of their own voice. Likewise, most folks can lay claim to a couple of chums who love nothing more than to propose fun-filled adventures for one. That is to say--activities only they find enjoyable the utter bastards. "Oh, you're not into North Kensington shoegaze music, well that's just too bad, we're still going to the 8-day festival". " Brittle bones you say? I'm afraid the jiu jitsu tournament is already booked, and this black belt isn't just going to bloody itself ".

When it comes to selecting his annual birthday treat, Red Dead's John Marston is no different, opting time and again for the noble sport of kings that is 'laser tag'. Armed with the slow-mo, target painting 'dead eye' system, Johnny routinely slays his way from point A to carcass pit B, in a terrifying whirl of everyone's wasted time. You may as well be contesting a dance off with Michael 'dead but you still know what I mean' Jackson. No matter what, Marston's gonna light you up.

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
Dead Rising's Mr. Greene chucks up his guts on a pub crawl

Dead Rising's Mr. Greene chucks up his guts on a pub crawl

If I had a [small amount of regional currency] for every person I'd heard tell of the life-affirming effects of alcohol, well then I'd have 6 units of that particular currency... In the case of Dead Rising's Chuck Greene however, 'Big alkies' shameless propaganda actually turns out to be true. You see, by glugging a mug full of ale or taking a big ol' swig of cider, Chuck can quickly restore massive amounts of spent health. Doing so in large enough quantities will even result in all of the usual hallmarks of inebriation--slurred speech, stumbling gait and an newfound appreciation for deep fried gristle.

So, what better way for Chucky to spend his special day than by dragging a horde of helpless survivors around a proper gut busting pub-crawl? For one thing, the man's already well versed in the ways of staggering, puking monster-men. And, after dealing with hordes of undead all day, he may just relish the good clean fun of a taxi rank punch up.

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
Nathan Drake runs himself ragged in the funhouse

Nathan Drake runs himself ragged in the funhouse

So what if his only friend is a surprisingly spry 60-year-old? Nothing's gonna stop Nathan Drake from enjoying another big ol' birthday bonanza. All the better where a classic funhouse party is concerned. No more waiting your turn, dodging sprogs, or 'accidentally' kicking that one kid parked right under the slide. Eat foot Timmy.

Remember, Nate has to hone his climbing skills somewhere, and a plush maze of primary colours seems as good a place as any to start. Of course, no ball pit ever designed could adequately represent the pants-blackening terror of a quicksand trap. Nor will that on-rails swing thingy do you much good up against an angry set of Yetis. Still, it's got to beat dying every five minutes at the hands of a clumsy, bumbling gamer. Yeah, sorry about that

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
Tidus ruins the movie for everyone with a trip to the cinema

Tidus ruins the movie for everyone with a trip to the cinema

When it comes to discussing the sad, slow death of the cinema, movie execs point to piracy like a freefalling Keanu Reeves grasping at a spare 'chute. Here's an alternate theory. Ready? Then here goes. People are really, reaaaally annoying, so much so in fact that most of us will do absolutely anything in our power just to avoid sitting in a crowded room with them. By visiting your local cinema, you're essentially betting a huge chunk of change than none of these other grazing gasbags will decide to misbehave.

Of course, it could always be worse: you could be sharing a screen with none other than Final Fantasy 10's smirking berk Tidus. As anyone who's played this seminal PlayStation 2 title can attest, the T-man is little more than a synapse-splitting headache given human form (a fact that I suspect he very much enjoys). Equipped with the grand 'get out of jail free card' that is your birthday, Tidus can crunch, slurp and laugh to his heart's content: all the while wallowing in the misery of those paying patrons around him.

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
Batman chows down on a ready meal for one

Batman chows down on a ready meal for one

Unsurprisingly, Gotham's dark knight detective doesn't have all that much time for close friends, what with the ever-present threat of chattering teeth bombs and shattered spines awaiting his next bosom buddy. Sure, he may have a whole bat-family of allies to call upon, but do any of them really stick around for the post-op tea and biscuits? Would he even let them?

All things considered, Bruce Wayne is a pretty damaged dude, and like most unfortunate peeps in his position--that's 'desperately alone', not 'wealthy night-time vigilante'--Bruce will probably be spending this next anniversary alone, perhaps slumped over a couch, eyes glued to the TV, frantically squeezing the last drops of juice from a Capri-Sun. Bleak, harrowing stuff.

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
Birthdaze

Birthdaze

Is it your birthday today, little guy? Congratulations, you've just won the GamesRadar grand prize: a harsh lesson in the perils of gullibility Got any other party ideas. Leave your tips, suggestions and angry, bitter tirades in the comments section below.

And once you've settled down, taken a few deep breathes and relaxed with the cool, clean, incomparable refreshment of a tall birthday gin (provided that at least your most recent birthday confirmed that as legal), check out some of our related features. Video game characters' school report cards would be a good start, as would be the possibly partying-related Video game characters' criminal records

Page 9 of 9
Page 9 of 9
CATEGORIES
Android iPad iPhone PC Gaming Wii U Nintendo PlayStation PS4 Xbox Xbox One Platforms Mobile Gaming
Samuel James Riley
Samuel James Riley
Social Links Navigation
When he's not busy saving small animals from dangerous brush fires, Sam enjoys writing about the weird world of video games. All-time favourites include Half-Life 2, Knights of the Old Republic, GTA: Vice City and Final Fantasy 10. Last year, Sam finally succeeded in besting Rayman 1 for PlayStation, leaving his life utterly without meaning.
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter
Read more
Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in Sonic 3
Movies Every upcoming video game movie you need to know about in 2026 and beyond
 
 
Tekken 8 screenshot
Fighting Games The 25 best fighting games you can play right now in 2026
 
 
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Games The 25 best GameCube games of all time
 
 
Four pictures of games from our selection of the best Switch 2 games list, showing Donkey Kong, Cloud from Final Fantasy, Mario and Luigi, and three starter Pokemon.
Games The 20 best Switch 2 games to play in 2026
 
 
The Super Mario Movie
Movies The 10 best video game movies of all time, ranked
 
 
Best action games - God of War screenshot of Kratos facing off with a giant white dragon, holding a human head in one hand
Action Games The 25 Best Action Games to Play in 2026
 
 
Latest in Mortal Kombat
Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 2
Mortal Kombat "You lost $40 million": Dev lost Mortal Kombat rights because he went on a family vacation
 
 
Mortal Kombat 11
Games Mortal Kombat's Sub-Zero and Kitana team up after figure skating duo's win to pull off a competition illegal move
 
 
Mortal Kombat 3 screenshot showing nightwolf and sheeva
Mortal Kombat "This is a Komplete FAILURE": Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is off to a rough start with massive input lag and netcode issues ruining fighting game fans' experiences online
 
 
Karl Urban as Johnny Cage is ready to fight in the Mortal Kombat 2 trailer
Mortal Kombat Mortal Kombat co-creator says the movie sequel's opening has made him cry every single time he's watched it: "It punches you in the face"
 
 
Adeline Rudolph as Kitana in Mortal Kombat 2
Mortal Kombat Mortal Kombat 2 is as much about Kitana as it is about Johnny Cage: "They go in and out of each other throughout the movie"
 
 
Karl Urban as Johnny Cage is ready to fight in the Mortal Kombat 2 trailer
Action Movies Mortal Kombat 2 gets a big release date delay, but ends up in a promising spot
 
 
Latest in Features
Arjun holds up his hands in a Saros cinematic
Third Person Shooters "We live on the fringe": In Saros, Housemarque's greatest influence is itself
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker
RPGs How The Blood of Dawnwalker can shape the future of RPGs
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker makes one hell of a first impression
 
 
Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle in The Punisher: One Last Kill
Streaming Services Your guide to everything streaming on Disney Plus in April 2026
 
 
A side by side image of the Steam Controller next to a screenshot from a Planet Coaster trailer
Gaming Controllers The Steam Controller could help make a city builder-sized dent in my gaming backlog
 
 
Austin Abrams as Bryan in Resident Evil
Horror Movies Resident Evil movie: Everything we know about the new horror adaptation
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Pragmata Diana hacking in the Shelter with her arm outstretched
    1
    Capcom teases that Pragmata might have a future as a franchise, after at least 6 years in development hell pays off with 1 million sales in 2 days
  2. 2
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 studio insists AI used in "early stages of production" only, dodges questions about translator allegedly replaced by AI but says "we do not see AI as a substitute for human work"
  3. 3
    Elder Scrolls Online vet hates when people call the MMO a "WoW clone" since "you're not going to have fun at all" if you play it like Blizzard's game
  4. 4
    Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced grants my wish and cuts PS3-era online nonsense, but now it's been replaced with the modern online nonsense of Shadows
  5. 5
    Andy Serkis says playing Snoke in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was "a massive challenge" because the humanoid was "evolving as we were going along"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...