Cosmic Bargain Hunter

Inspired by the 'E-Commerce Pricing' scraper, 'Nightfall's' exploration of resource scarcity and survival in a harsh future, and 'Interstellar's' journey through vast, resource-rich but perilous space, 'Cosmic Bargain Hunter' is a single-player 2D game focused on strategic resource management and market manipulation. Players pilot a customizable mining vessel, jumping between procedurally generated star systems. Each system contains unique celestial bodies (asteroids, moons, derelict ships) offering different raw materials. The core mechanic revolves around a dynamic interstellar economy. A simulated market dictates the fluctuating value of these resources. Players use a built-in 'market scanner' (inspired by the e-commerce scraper) to track real-time prices across different systems and stations. The goal is to mine the most profitable resources when their value is high and purchase necessary upgrades (better drills, shields, engine efficiency, cargo capacity, crafting stations) when prices are low. Failure to manage resources and finances can lead to ship deterioration, inability to escape dangerous cosmic events (solar flares, asteroid storms), or even the inability to afford the fuel for the next jump, mirroring the survival stakes of 'Nightfall'. The 'Interstellar' influence comes from the vastness of space, the need for careful planning for long journeys, and the critical importance of acquiring specific resources for survival and progress. Monetization potential lies in cosmetic ship customizations, unique ship blueprints that offer slight gameplay advantages (but not pay-to-win), and potentially a premium currency that can slightly speed up resource scanning or offer limited market prediction tools. The niche appeal is in its blend of survival, crafting, and strategic economic simulation, appealing to players who enjoy deep systems and emergent gameplay without the complexity of large-scale MMOs. Development can be low-cost using accessible 2D game engines like Godot or Unity, focusing on robust core mechanics and procedurally generated content.