The game features new backgrounds with 2D and 3D elements, as well as a returning cast of all 28 characters from Samurai Shodown V Special, 2 sub-bosses from Samurai Shodown V, as well as all 7 characters from Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II that didn't appear in later games, and 4 new characters.
This description highlights the game's focus on expanding upon its previous installments by introducing new content while retaining familiar faces.