Yea, the tileset give you like EGA graphics or something so instead of a smilyface in a certain colour you will see a dwarf
So that actually makes it easier to play. although i must say, once you get used to the ascii things it well kinda sticks.. but like i said the tilesets link give you actually dwarfs. game is the same only when a new version is released the till sets will be released a bit later as they usually need to be adapted.
and most tilesets offer a complete download, so you don't have to download it from bay12 1st.
anyway if you really want grapichs, check the tile sets