BIL I'm glad you're part of the Delta boiz now
I've played less with Delta (though I knocked out a pseudo-1cc of the x-c route with Blanche, the DLC character), but having Revision so easily playable and accessible is a marvelous thing indeed. Having visuals in high-definition is definitely a big point in this game's factor; I wonder if I'd be as effective if I was staring deep into a slightly-blurry CRT screen.
Another wonderful thing are the meters/widgets on the side. While close-ups are a little superfluous, having a handy look at your experience meter on the side (with the other UI shaders indicating your experience) is a perfect and effective means to time your shots, take-downs, and where to position yourself for maximum buzz.
The game's progression (locking off the true ending and harder stages based on your experience) is a great way delineating progress, and gives those looking for the true clear the wherewithal to go all-in right from the first stage, trying to maximize every single point. Milking the bosses as much as possible, maximizing your level-ups, and making it to the final zone, X-D, will push the game's play-time closer to the 30 minute mark. I like that the game rewards you for being good by giving you... more of the game! It's addicting and with Shmup Slam 2 over I'm looking forward to pushing my scores in Revision higher, so I can get to X-D and the true clear.
The DLC character, Blanche, is also loads of fun to play as well (an the Cybattler arrange is ace). Her (his? its?) rechargeable shield is a great way of softening the game's relentlessly difficult bullet patterns, and her melee attack shreds tough enemies apart. The multi-directional nature of the mech can be a little awkward at first, but you can get some really great screen control with Blanche's spread shot.
My run of an X-C clear on Delta with Blanche - the funny thing is that I was originally started goofing around as a joke (to de-stress after Revision runs), but as I got further along I played more seriously and managed to pull out a 1cc - within inches of getting the level requirement for the last area (218 is the cutoff).
At the very least, it gave me a deeper glimpse into Delta, and I like what I'm seeing. Lots of more bullets and enemies, meaning lots more ways to go through the stages. Coming up with new routes in this mode with the Revision ship will be well worth the time for someone willing to do so (and that someone might be me).
While I am a little bit bummed hoping there would be a new boss, for what it's worth, giving a modern release (seemingly rebuilding much of the game from the ground up, if the unity launcher is any clue), offering up a number of mix-n-match opportunities, and having a new DLC character that plays totally differently is more than adequate, given how shmup releases are. Shmup fans might be a little spoiled (see ESPRaDe Psi, with people down about the lack of a true arrange mode, despite having a new TLB and character!).