The Problem: Traditional budgeting apps can be dry and anxiety-inducing. They focus on "restrictive" tracking which leads to disengagement. I wanted to build something that felt like an old rpg or strategy game, not a bank statement.

My Solution, Project 1UP It's a Zero-Based Budgeting engine wrapped in a retro 8-bit industrial chassis. Instead of just "paying a credit card," you are attacking a Boss with specific HP. Instead of "saving money," you are leveling up a Skill Tree to unlock new app features.

The Tech Stack:

• Frontend: React 19 (ESM) + Tailwind CSS.
• Backend: Supabase (Auth & Postgres) for that sweet real-time sync.
• AI Engine: Google Gemini 1.5/2.0. I’m using AI for three specific "NPC" roles:
  • The Oracle: A financial coach that reads your actual ledger and gives tactical RPG-flavored advice.
  • The Bard: Generates a custom "Legend" (narrative summary) of your spending habits at the end of every month.
  • The Scribe: Automatically transforms mundane bank payees (like "WM SUPERCENTER") into fantasy merchants ("The Alchemist's Pantry").
• Audio: A custom synthesized 8-bit sound engine (Web Audio API) for coins, level-ups, and boss hits.

Key Features for Nerds:

• Intentional Friction: I explicitly avoided Plaid/Auto-sync. The app utilizes "The Grind" (manual entry/CSV import) to keep you mindful of your Mana (cash).
• Visual Chassis: a custom "CRT" overlay system with scanlines, phosphorus glow, and chromatic aberration that kicks in when your debt "Threat Level" is high.
• Dynamic UI: Multiple unlockable themes (DOS Terminal, Y2K, Miami Vice, Gameboy Green) that change the entire CSS variable set and font-face.
• Logic: A working economy of XP and Virtual Gold earned through daily missions and login streaks.

Why I’m posting here: I’m looking for 100 Beta Testers to stress-test the AI logic and the "Boss Arena" mechanics. Keep in mind this is still a work in progress.

Check it out here: www.project1up.com (Note: It’s mobile-responsive, but the "Equip" screen is best viewed on a horizontal screen for that full tactical dashboard feel.)

Would love to hear your thoughts on the gamification loop or the AI implementation. Thanks for looking

GLHF (Good Luck, Have Funds!)