Which game did you get, if you did?
SoulSilver of course!
Why did you get it?
My brother already has HeartGold, plus when me and my brother get the paired versions he gets one and I get the other (he has Sapphire, Diamond and HeartGold while I have Ruby, Pearl and SoulSilver. I also have Black and he plans to get White later this year) while with third versions either me or him gets it (he has Emerald and I have Platinum).
Was it the legend? Or the Pokemon?
I had a slight preference for Ninetales and Ursaring. Ursaring is awesome, and combine Facade with its Guts ability and you get one hard-hitting bear! As for the legendary, I lean more towards Lugia.
Perhaps you had its previous version (Gold/Silver)?
No, I actually didn't play the old version. I only wanted HG/SS because I wanted to experience Johto for myself. SoulSilver has become only the second Pokemon game I ever finished as of now (the other being Ruby). Now that I am in the SS post-game I am busy collecting and training my Pokemon imported from RSE and traded from DPPt.