It doesn't sound different. They are just talking about totally different things. Theres nothing overlapping.
What exactly do you mean?
Edit: Watched the g4 one again. Nothings overlapping or really contradicting. For the points that are unclear: WE JUST DON'T KNOW YET. DSIII has a very special co-op system from begin with.
You watched the G4TV video right? At the 1:25 mark he says when you join someones game you pick the character you want to play then you come in at the level that works for "THEIR" game with the appropiate level and gear that works. That's Not what was said to destructiod. Your single player characters will be distinct from your multiplayer characters -- however both can be persistently grown, equipped and adventured with over multiple game sessions. Now how can your multiplayer character progress when you automatically come in at the right level that fits to the game of the person your joining?
Either way the only way I'm getting this game is if I have my own character that I can use and level up myself. I don't want another Fable 2.