The gameplay mechanics for this installment have changed quite a bit. The Beast Gauge still remains in the series, which allows the player to switch to a Beast Form. However, unlike previous installments, the Beast Gauge can now be charged up at the expense of health as now the Beast and Health gauges are now intertwined. In addition, characters can Beastorize without the Beast Gauge being filled up completely. The Hyper Beast Mode returns also which can be attained by expending the character's remaining health completely.
A new Career Mode allows player to take one character through a legion of matches. By winning matches, players can obtain 'DNA Points' which can be used to purchase ability enhancements such as strength and defense increase. It is even possible to purchase new combos and Beast Drives for the selected character as well as use moves used by other characters, changing the flow of the character altogether. The character selected in Career mode can be used in normal play by pressing L1 to switch to the character's 'Career' mode. Hidden characters can be unlocked by achieving a certain number of DNA Points.
Four new characters are introduced into the series; Nagi the Spurious, an old friend of Yugo transformed by the power of the Unborn and given a new, yet incomplete beast form much like Uriko. Next is Reiji the Crow, who goes by the nickname of Black Shadow and forms a bitter rivalry with Yugo. Finally, the sub and end bosses, Mana the Ninetails and Ryoho the Dragon, a tag team, are introduced into the roster. Ryoho's beast form serves as the end boss.
This is the first game in the series to utilize voice acting in cutscenes.