A significant number of changes exist between "Samurai Shodown V" and "Samurai Shodown V Special". Among them, the characters Sankuro and Yumeji were replaced with "Samurai Shodown" boss, Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, and "Samurai Shodown III" boss, Zankuro Minazuki. Also, the hidden character Poppy was replaced with "Samurai Shodown II" boss, Mizuki Rashojin, and was playable without the need of a hidden code. In addition to the roster change, many graphics and sound changes were made to give the game a fresh feel, even though most of the returning characters used their old voices, dating from "Samurai Shodown IV". Existing "Samurai Shodown V" character stages were modified, and new stages were made for the arrival of Amakusa, Zankuro, and Mizuki.