The coolest game mechanics of 2013

Drivatars (Forza Motorsport 5)

Yes, the word "Drivatar" is little more than a ridiculous, made-up marketing term. But what it represents in Forza Motorsport 5 is certifiably awesome--a new type of asynchronous multiplayer, where a computer does its very best to be you. Like a servo-replicant training to murder you and take over your life, your Drivatar studies your every move behind the wheel, learning to mimic your braking and turning habits. Once your methods have been assimilated, your Drivatar speeds around the track in your friends' races, giving your pals some better AI competition and you some bonus points. Drivatars could very well be a glimpse into the future of multiplayer--where you don't even have to be playing to play.

Flippin' the script

Of all the games in 2013, those are the unique mechanics that stood out the most to us. Would you agree? Think we missed a small revolution somewhere? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

And if you're looking for more, check out Ludicrous in-game explanations for normal in-game mechanics and 20 games you've been playing wrong all along.