If you think about it, Alan Wake's story structure is perfectly suited to DLC. Since the game is split up into multiple 90-minute chunks of gameplay, and narrative dubbed "Episodes", post-release content fits into the equation pretty naturally. And the fact that the core game ended with one hell of a cliffhanger helps, too. The first downloadable Episode for Alan Wake, The Signal, is one of the best small-sized pieces of DLC out there because it succeeds in advancing not only the core game's plot, but its gameplay as well.

The Signal picks up right where Alan Wake left off (with a nice little recap video included). Alan Wake has entered "The Dark Place", a twisted part of his psyche that he finds himself trapped inside of by the Dark Presence. Alan spends his time trying to find out what the Dark Place really is, and, of course, how to escape. Though the plot becomes yet more purposefully convoluted with this new adventure, there's also some great character development to be found, namely in moments where Alan Wake must confront himself through images of his friends conjured up by his psyche. While Wake's predicament isn't exactly resolved by the end of the Episode, it provides yet more brilliantly self-aware thrills, and camp.

In terms of gameplay, The Signal adds a surprising amount of new ideas, and game mechanics considering it's a rather small piece of DLC. One of the most interesting new gameplay elements is being able to shine your flashlight on giant, floating words, thereby turning those trippy words into something physical. For example, if you shine your flashlight on the word "Supplies", a bunch of ammo, and batteries will appear out of nowhere. It's an interesting mechanic which is executed so well that it'll make you wish it was used throughout the core game as well.

Beyond that, there are a couple great new moments, including a demolition derby face-off against a few poltergeist cars, and a sequence in which the town of Bright Falls itself tries to kill you. With new gameplay mechanics, and quite a few thrilling sequences packed into one DLC, The Signal is more action-packed, and tightly wound than any chapter in the game proper.

With yet more campy story, some twisted new environments, and a whole ton of great gameplay, The Signal is not only an exceptional piece of DLC, it may just be the best chapter in Alan Wake. While the DLC is on the short side, and the story may confuse those who take it seriously, The Signal is, in the end, what DLC should be all about: Both adding to, and expanding the core experience.