Reviewing the arcade version in "GamePro", The Union Buster commented that "Samurai Shodown IV" lacks the depth of contemporaries such as "Street Fighter Alpha 2" and "Soul Edge", but for the same reason offers an easier pick-up-and-play experience. He was unimpressed with the two new characters but pleased with the return of those which had been dropped from the roster in "Samurai Shodown III". He particularly praised the visuals, remarking that "The fighters have superb animation; several fighting stages are outright beautiful; and the special moves look awesome."