I'm going to get the DLC for the 360 when that comes out, but I don't know if I should continue my lv 111 character or start a new character. My thinking on this choice comes from wanting the new content to feel as challenging as the first run through of the game. The problem is that I've logged over 330 hours and I'm too experienced to feel overwhelmed by stuff like I was in the very beginning.

If I go to the DLC with my current character I'll have access to every item in the game with a reserve of 30 million+ souls that I've gathered from over 150 hours of PVP. All my equipment is maxed and the only downside is that my stats/level were buffed to deal with some of the NG++ bosses so I have points that were put into attunement, faith, intelligence, and strength instead of other stats. The hope would be that the enemies and bosses would receive a nice enough buff from the NG++ that I would feel challenged.

The other option is to start a new character and get to the DCL area as fast as I can. The result would be weaker weapons, weaker armor, and no access to items that could really help in a pinch. I also wouldn't have the stamina and vitality to play the way I play with my current character and my soul bank would be gone so I couldn't simply buy up all the stuff I need. The con is that the enemies would be at a normal game level and I don't even remember what its like to fight them in such a weak state.

What I wont do is purposely weaken myself by not using the best weapons and armor available to me or trying some kind of no healing run. I'm sure everyone else is deciding on doing it with a new weaker character or their current main so I'd like some input on this.

Depends: how fast can you kill the Hydra.

@golguin: 
I logged hundreds of hours in DS as well and I think I will start a new character. I already have five different characters (Dex-Build, Strength-Build, Caster, Faith, allrounder) in different states of NG+. My new character will most likely be a heavy magic build, because I want to try the new sorceries :-) .
 
@Terramagi: 
If you are patient you can defeat the hydra from the start, going from Firelink through the Valley of the drakes to Darkroot Basin. But I read somewhere that the enemies in the DLC will be pretty tough.

@Roland_D11 said:

@golguin: Sounds like a good strategy. But I am beginning to wonder when the 'time jump' to the new areas will be available. From Software said something about 'mid- to endgame'. I wonder if you need the Lordvessel to open the area...

The trailer shows what I assume is the portal.

It's in the cove where you free Dusk of Oolacile from her golem prison. Ergo, the Hydra.

@Roland_D11 said:

@Terramagi: Yes, I know that the portal will be in Darkroot Basin. I'm just wondering if it will be open from the start or if there will be an equivalent to the orange fog gates.

Now that I think about it I wouldn't be surprised if the portal was tied to the Four Kings. Maybe getting down there will awaken something from the Abyss and cause the Oolicile disaster in the past via the time travel. At the very least you will need to get rid of the Hydra and free Dusk.

I'd say just get to the hydra on that character then start a new character. Then wait until the DLC and then play though it with both accounts.

@Roland_D11 said:

@golguin: Yeah, a Four Kings connection sounds possible. Or at least a link with Sif, the guardian of Artorias' grave. And since Beatrice has been linked to the Oolalice disaster, maybe you need to find her in Darkroot Garden and/or in New Londo. So many possibilities, on Friday we will know.

Sif seems more likely. After all, you'll have Artorias' ring, and I should think that's more likely than anything in the Abyss having bearing.

Do you guys know when the DLC will come out on the 360? On Friday too?

@NoobSauceG7 said:

Do you guys know when the DLC will come out on the 360? On Friday too?

Winter.

It's to make up for the PC version being a technical nightmare.

@Roland_D11 said:

@Terramagi: Yes, and Sif will be in the new content in some form, he was in the latest trailer.

There is an image of him in the DLC floating around. It looks pretty spoilery. I would recommend not looking at it.

I myself will try to stay away from any DLC stuff once it hits. I want to be surprised by the areas and stuff so I can see it for myself.

@Terramagi said:

@NoobSauceG7 said:

Do you guys know when the DLC will come out on the 360? On Friday too?

Winter.

It's to make up for the PC version being a technical nightmare.

Cool thanks!