If you like pixels, and you're a big fan of DS, get it!
...Otherwise, just get this awesome game, or the sequel for other platforms. I don't think there's anything different to this version. I'm personally a huge fan of DS, and I was watching NintendoCapriSun's let's play of the sequel on Youtube, and I got a huge urge to get this game. Since I'm a collector and from Europe, the price for the PAL version was just a bit too high though, and it seems to be quite rare.
One difference actually is that the graphics are made in pixels, which is very charming in my opinion. Frame rate drops are an issue in this version though, you'll see that a lot.
The game was still very enjoyable from start to finish, and from my perspective, I wouldn't even understand it if someone didn't like this game. The gameplay is unique (not that original though) and engaging. It's not too difficult for better players though, but you can challenge yourself, try different plants, there's plenty of them, and once you get the plant which makes you money, try to farm yourself some WHILE completing each level, that is one fun challenge.
And speaking of money in this game, I have a tip for you: play the puzzles/mini-games when you get them, that's where you get a lot of money, so you can actually buy a few things from the shop before you complete the main game.
Also, don't sell your Zen Garden plants, I'm not too sure, but I think they generate more money for you if you just keep them.
There's quite a lot of variety in the game, and there's even a Download Play multiplayer mode, which I've tried, and it's fun! The other player uses plants, the other uses zombies, and it's a challenge for both sides to beat each other.
So there's quite a few levels, quite a few plants, tons of bonus stuff, but the game is mostly pick-up and play kind of a game, so it's not something with hours and hours of depth (unlike PvZ2, probably), you'll get the most enjoyment out of it on buss rides or on some relaxing evenings for example, because it doesn't keep you engaged for too long periods at a time.
So, it's a small, tight package of a game. It's not supposed to be anything more, so it doesn't need anything more, it's pretty much near perfect, and I recommend it to every DS fan.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned