Originally announced in Japan as Samurai Spirits Zero, Samurai Shodown V for the Microsoft XBox was eventually changed for the US release to properly reflect its placement in the Samurai Spirits storyline. The first installment of the series in seven years, SSV's features include all-new game stages and power systems, twenty returning characters, and four new characters to choose from. On XBox, the weapon-based fighters comes complete with XBox Live online play, including rematch, head-to-head fighting and Tournament Modes.