fastballspecial
Member
The DLC is all outlined in the OP, but I'll summarize...
The DLC has includes a lot of stuff. New avatar options, pets, items, dungeons, homes, locations, enemies, quests, allies, stat/level caps, etc. It even adds a new gameplay element. (The Friendship System.) The bulk of the DLC is triggered after the main campaign is completed, but certain elements like the new pets, storage/bag bliss bonuses, avatar options, two new homes and the aforementioned Friendship System are unlocked as soon as you purchase the DLC. (And once you reach the part of the game during the main quest that it would normally be available.) The Friendship System is especially important to note because it helps you power up your party members the more you use them. Without the DLC, they have set stats that only raise according to your MC's level, and that's it.
The content the DLC adds to the game is very substantial, so the general feeling is that if you plan to get the DLC eventually anyway, you should get it as soon as possible to make use of the elements of it that are available during the main quest.
As for online, it's a great way to gain some extra experience and bliss points, but it is totally optional. There is nothing that can be gotten online that you can't get by yourself playing solo. It is very fun though, and can be especially useful if you need to tackle some tough bosses/dungeons. (A lot of which are part of the post game DLC.) Note: People who have purchased the DLC can only play online with other DLC owners. (The same goes for players without the DLC.)
Wow. Thanks for the response. The DLC seems awesome and well worth the money. I'll be buying that soon. This game is something I know I'd like but I just have way too many games to play that came out in September and October.