Players control either Haohmaru or Nakoruru and can choose from either their Slash or Bust versions. The game's story roughly follows Samurai Shodown IV. Most of the gameplay contains mini-games and bonuses (for triple seven reels) that make references to previous titles of the series. These games include playing hanafuda, the dummy slicing game from the first title, and a roulette system that features other characters in the series. Battles are determined through the reel results with more powerful moves happening through higher-point wins. The game's final boss is Aku Amakusa.