
The 3D Video Game
Official Guide
Date : 15/06/2009
Guide Version : 1.12
Binary Version : 0.65
Author : Brice Chevalier
Copyright – Brice Chevalier – Naiserie dot ca
No reproduction or modification of this guide is authorized without prior written and expressed consent of the author.
Software options – Starting program
How to fix a crashed database?
How to fix a corrupted database?
How to fix a critical locking on a database ?
How to kill the hacker process ?
I get a Memory Access Violation Error
But I did not touch or moved anything, are you sure it is not a bug ?
Can I use my own music during the game ?
Can I replace the sprites an Images with one of my own ?
In what language the game has been developed?
Is crazydba still under development, will there be more updates ?
Will CrazyDBA be ported on Unix™ , Linux™ or MacOS ™ ?
Do you plan to release a French version?
In what country CrazyDBA was made in ?
Welcome to CrazyDBA.
I am hopeful you will enjoy playing this game as much as I did developing it. It may (certainly) not be the most stunning 3D game available on the market, but it has the benefit of being original. Although it is all public oriented, there is clearly a core target for this kind of casual game, real DBA and also SYS ADMIN. In a more general manner all support I.T. staff should find a common mark.
CrazyDBA is always under improvement and will meet additional updates.
CrazyDBA is Free, so enjoy !

Make sure you have read the License and Agreements if you choose not to comply with this license, do not install or use the software.
Crazy DBA copyright 2009 - Brice Chevalier version 1.0
BECAUSE THE PROGRAM (AKA CrazyDBA) IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY For THE PROGRAM, To THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE PROGRAM (AS IS) WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED Or IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT Not LIMITED To, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY And FITNESS For A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS To THE QUALITY And PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME
THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR Or CORRECTION.
IN NO EVENT UNLESS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW Or AGREED To IN WRITING WILL ANY COPYRIGHT HOLDER, Or ANY OTHER PARTY WHO MAY MODIFY And/Or REDISTRIBUTE THE PROGRAM AS PERMITTED ABOVE, BE LIABLE To YOU For DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL Or CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE Or INABILITY To USE THE PROGRAM (INCLUDING BUT Not LIMITED To LOSS OF Data Or Data BEING RENDERED INACCURATE Or LOSSES SUSTAINED BY YOU Or THIRD PARTIES Or A FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM To OPERATE
WITH ANY OTHER PROGRAMS), EVEN If SUCH HOLDER Or OTHER PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Since the software is provided “As is”, free of charge, developed exclusively during spare time, there is no support as such and no guarantees of any kind. However based on good will, the author might release update and patched version based on the feedback of player experience. Bugs and issue as well as player experience enhancements can be reported, but are not guaranteed to be fixed or taken into consideration. Feedback, bug report, will be welcome in general as long as it is constructive.
You can email your suggestions to the following email address :
Any abuse will be reported!
Contact
For contact, bug report or any inquiry feel free to use the following email address :
Make sure you have read the support section first before submitting your demand.
Go the following web site, the official distribution channel: http://www.cinsiders.com/crazydba
Only Windows platforms are supported, because this software was developed to be Direct X™ 7 compliant. Unix™, Linux™, and MacOS™ are NOT supported. [1]
Supported Platforms:
Windows XP ™
Windows XP ™ Service Pack 1
Windows XP ™ Service Pack 2
Windows Vista ™ (32 bits)
Windows Vista ™ (32 bits) (service Pack 1)
Windows Vista ™ (32 bits) (service Pack 2)
Windows Vista ™ (64its)
Windows Vista ™ (64 bits) (service Pack 1)
Windows Vista ™ (64 bits) (service Pack 2)
Windows 2000™ professional (Service Pack)
¨ A full Direct X ™ 7.0 100% compatible P.C is required.
¨ An accelerated graphic card is strongly recommended
¨ A minimum of 256 MB of memory is required.
The software should accommodate itself with modest hardware configuration, given current systems available on the market. However, if you experience unacceptable frame rate, you can lower the resolution of the game. Common and recommended resolutions are
640X480, 800X600, 1024X768, 1280X1024 in 16 and 32 bits colors.
If this is not enough you can try the –lowend option, this will start the game with a degraded visual experience.
CPU : AMD Athlon XP (2800 +)™ or Intel Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz ™
Graphic card : Intel GMA 940™
Memory : 256 MB
CPU : AMD Athlon XP (2800 +)™ or Intel Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz ™
Graphic card : Nvidia Geforce™ 7000 or 8000 series or ATI Radeon serie™
Memory : 512 MB
CPU : Intel Core duo 2 ™ , core Quad ™ , I7 ™or AMD Phenom II x2 x3 x4™
Graphic card : Nvidia Geforce™ 7000 or 8000 series or ATI Radeon serie ™
Memory : 1 GB[2]
Install the package (auto install executable) in the desired location on your hard drive. Package comes in a form of an installer. The software needs write access on the file system to decompress and create configuration files.
Double clicking on the package archive will start the installation.

Just follow the installation instructions. You must accept the license prior to install the software. No Administrator privilege is required to install, and it will run under perfectly fine under a classic user account. However Windows Vista™ users with UAC enabled may need to elevate credentials to administrator as prompt by UAC if the auto extractible archive is run.
Should you decide to install the optional source code, please note you need a valid license of Blitz3D ™[3] ver1.99 to compile and manage the source code.
The installation does not create any entry in the registry neither adds dll, or files to Windows™ system folders. All files are installed in the same directory root directory (by default crazydba).
Installation will add a link on the desktop as well as on the start menu (Start- Crazydba - CrazyDBA )
To uninstall run the uninstall program, in start menu “start - Crazydba – uninstall”. Or you can decide to manually remove / delete the (Crazydba) root folder.
Uninstall software will remove automatically all files and links or shortcuts , it is preferred de-installation method. Just follow the instructions.

The installation does not create any entry in the registry neither adds dll or files to Windows™ system folders. All files are installed in the same directory (by default crazydba).

You’ve been hired by the Global Corporation, as a DBA (Aka Database Administrator) position. As such, your job is to take good care of your assigned databases. Good news is this is generally speaking a relatively well paid job. Bad news is this a very demanding job, the Global Corporation has a lot of clients to serve, and your sanity is not guaranteed.
You’ll be transferred to the “island” to perform your duty. Unfortunately, for your sake, all other DBA have deserted the “island”. Details are not clear why no other team member or backup will be available, but one thing is sure, you will be on your own.
Databases can get locked, crash, get corrupted, or get attacked by rogue hacker processes. You will get paged in these cases. Be pro-active and avoid these situations or fix them quickly.
Besides your databases you must also take good care of yourself, since you will be constantly under pressure you can easily end in burn out if your stress gets too high. To prevent this, avoid being paged, and fix quickly issues as they come, after all this is what you are paid for!
Only when a database is healthy and running it can commit transactions, meaning money for the Global Corporation. In other words, as long as your database is behaving correctly it will be available to end-users and processes will shoot transactions generating some Cash money and increasing your Trust level.
To complete a level you have to achieve a certain amount of transactions. This value will increase with the level difficulty as well as the number of database to manage.
In addition to databases, you must also take care of batch jobs (or more simply jobs) if they fail. Jobs are essentials for the good behaviour of the databases and for your client’s business. You do not need to know what they do, but only if they succeed or fail.
Your databases require constant care and monitoring, if you let things go it is likely you will lose the game quickly. By managing your database and fixing issues you will gain Cash (your SCORE), and Trust value.
The more trust the better. With dedication and hard work you may reach the “five stars” DBA stardom, and who knows, get enough cash to retire for the rest of your life …
The Stress value evaluates how tired or Stressed you are, if you let this value reach 2000 you end in BURN OUT and lose the game.
If your Trust level drops to zero you get fired and lose the game, the Global Corporation does not spend its money on unreliable asset.
To manage your databases you have to split your job into different tasks. As such different mode have been set and can be activated by pressing function keys [F1] to [F6] . To perform an action such as issuing a backup, recycling the database, clearing some corruption or killing a rogue process you will have to switch to the appropriate game mode.
Each mode is designated by an icon appearing in the corner of the screen. By default the SQL mode is activated when the game begins.
SQL MODE - [F1] key
The SQL mode is used to query the database and correct corruption. At your disposal the SQL cannon is enabled when SQL mode is set, SQL cannon can fix corruption pretty easily but it has short range. Make sure you are close enough to clear corruption. The more corrupted the database is, the more you will need to fire the SQL cannon.
You can also query the database, when query mode is set. You will notice rotating shapes around the selected database. The selected Query is green glowing and rotating on itself. Available SQL queries are: Select, insert, update, delete. Be careful about what you are doing while querying the database.
SQL Mode key reference
[F1] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Fire the SQL cannon (fix corruption)
[MOUSE Right Click] Access database for SQL Query
[BackSpace] Cancel/log off Database access
[I] Insert SQL query (query mode must be set)
[S] Select SQL query (query mode must be set)
[D] Delete SQL query (query mode must be set)
[U] Update SQL query (query mode must be set)
KILL MODE
- [F2]
key
The kill mode is used to get rid of “parasite” or rogues locking processes and connexions. This is the defence mode you need to use to get rid of locking or Hacker process who tries to steal information from your databases. Kill mode is all powerful; it will kill good and bad processes without distinction. However you can not harm your database or kill it in this mode. Sniper mode, will help you focus on the targets, the weapon used in the kill mode has a long range.
KILL Mode key reference
[F2] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Fire the gun
[MOUSE Right Click] Set sniper mode ON/OFF
BACKUP MODE
- [F3] key
The Backup mode enables to run backups on databases. Backups are is safest way to recover the database in case of a crash. You should always backup your databases. When a backup is on going if you are close enough to the database you will notice the backup progress.
BACKUP Mode key reference
[F3] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click] Trigger a backup
You must aim to a database for a backup to work
RESTORE MODE - [F4] key
Restore mode enables to restore a previous database backup. A previous database backup must have been made for the restore to be valid. Restoring a backup is the ONLY 100% safe method to recover from a crash.
RESTORE Mode key reference
[F4] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click] Trigger a Restore
You must aim to a database for a restore to work
RECYCLE MODE - [F5] key
Recycle mode, is an emergency mode to recycle (bounce) a database. Recycling means shutdown restart in the same operation. Recycle mode may be applied when a database is crashed. It will recover the database the hard way. Recycling has a 50% chance of success each time and a 50% chance of corrupting your database once recovered. Recycle mode should only be used as last resort when a database is crashed.
You may find recycling is a fast a convenient way of recovering but is it less safer than reloading a backup.
RECYCLE Mode key reference
[F5] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click] Recycle/emergency restart
Works ONLY if the database is crashed
CONSOLE MODE - [F6] key
Console mode, should be switched on when you need to handle jobs or failing ones. The Console mode enables to connect to the mainframe via a console / terminal (You can only connect to a terminal when the console mode is set). Should a job fail, Get close to a console/Terminal and keep the [SPACE BAR] or [Mouse left click] pressed while fixing the job.
CONSOLE Mode key reference
[F6] To activate / Set Mode
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Access a Terminal and log on to the mainframe
Throughout
the game, when a certain amount of transaction is committed (100), a bonus will
spawn. A message will indicate at the same time, the bonus is ready to be
collected. Bonuses are golden rotating stars placed at certain location on the level;
you must walk or run though them to acquire them. You may need to search the
level for bonuses as they may be hidden in strange places. Once acquired a
bonus item will appear stating a bonus is available to be triggered via [B] key,
the more item, the more bonus you can trigger. Bonus will produce two effects
when activated:
¨ It will boost your score
¨ It will reset your stress down to zero
Use bonuses wisely, they can save you from situations when your stress meter gets too high and buy you some extra time.
Remember, you need to collect a bonus before activate it!
To activate a bonus use the [B] key
To win the game or just a level, keep you Trust and Stress value within an acceptable range. TRUST should be as high as possible STRESS should be as low as possible. You also need to let your databases process the required number of transactions this value will increase for each level difficulty (with the number of databases).
The number of required transactions will decrease during the game play, when it reaches zero , the level is completed , congratulations !
You gain Trust and Cash with time and processed transaction. Fixing issues the RIGHT way will also boost your CASH and TRUST level.
In addition use Bonuses wisely, they can temporally save you from a critical situation and extend your sanity level.
Just start a new game
Display some credits
Enable to deal with game options
Graphic option and resolution can be set to your need. To take effect the game has to be restarted. By default the game will start in SVGA (640X480 16 bits colors). The resolution is saved in configuration file (crazydba.cfg), do not try to edit this file as it is created in binary mode.

You can change the resolution as you whish. Current resolution is displayed in the upper side.
¨ To browse through available resolutions use cursor keys [ß]¸and [à]
¨ To validate and save use the [Enter] key. A confirmation message will pop up (use Y to confirm)
¨ Select Full screen check box will enable when checked the full screen mode

Help menu section is where most of the information and help regarding game is available. Main help section will display in 3D core objects of the game with a brief description.
You can scroll the text of the info screen using the mouse, and the scroll bar.

The info screen is trigged by the info button.
¨ You can scroll the text of the info screen using the mouse, and the scroll bar.
¨ You can browse pages objects using the “Previous” and “Next” button

Exit menu option exits/quits the game gracefully, if you answer [y] to the confirmation message. Clicking on the closing window widget (if not in full screen) will have the same effect.
Exit button close the current screen / page and returns back to main menu or previous page.
Software Options are not be confused with the menu options. These options are provided with the Binary / executable when the software is launched. It will enable special features built into the software.
To provide the software with option you will need to run / start it from a command/console window since the classic “double clicking” will not work. You can also create a batch (.bat) file with the required option.
Options are CASE SENSISTIVE.
Available options are :
-help display the help option for the software
-svga force the resolution in pure SVGA 640X480 16 bits
-svga32 force the resolution in pure SVGA 640X480 32 bits
-debug run in debug mode, will display debug info (might slow down)
-lowend will start the game with a degraded visual experience.
To use an option (you can add multiple of them but some override each other) :
For example to display the help options of the game :
crazydba.exe –help
If no option is used the software runs in normal mode.
A batch (.bat) file would look like this:
@echo off
set APPLICATION=crazy dba
echo "starting %APPLICATION%"
start crazydba.exe –help
[Up] Move Forward
[Down] Move Backward
[à] Strafe Left
[ß] Strafe right
[MOUSE movement] Change player view/aiming
[MOUSE Center Click] Cycle player mode
[SHIFT] Run mode ON/OFF
[P] Pause the game
[ESC] Quit (confirmation required)
[B] Activate bonus
[ctrl]+[W] Set Wire Frame mode
[ctrl]+[A] Set anti alias
[ctrl]+[B] set Buffer mode
[F1] Set SQL Mode (Used to fix corrupted database)
[F2] Set Kill Mode (Used to kill Bad processes, Hackers,etc)
[F3] Set Backup mode (Used to backup a database)
[F4] Set Restore mode (Used to reload a backup)
[F5] Set Recycle mode (Used to restart/recycle a database)
[F6] Set Consol mode (Used to access the Mainframe and fix jobs)
ð SQL Mode ([F1] key)
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Fire the SQL cannon (fix corruption)
[MOUSE Right Click] Access database for SQL Query
[BackSpace] Cancel/log off Database access
[I] Insert SQL query (query mode must be set)
[S] Select SQL query (query mode must be set)
[D] Delete SQL query (query mode must be set)
[U] Update SQL query (query mode must be set)
ð KILL Mode ([F2] key)
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Fire the gun
[MOUSE Right Click] Set sniper mode ON/OFF
ð BACKUP Mode ([F3] key)
[MOUSE Left Click] Trigger a backup
You must aim to a database for a backup to work
ð RESTORE Mode ([F4] key)
[MOUSE Left Click] Trigger a Restore
You must aim to a database for a restore to work
ð RECYCLE Mode ([F5] key)
[MOUSE Left Click] Recycle/emergency restart
Works ONLY if the database is crashed
ð CONSOLE Mode ([F6] key)
[MOUSE Left Click]/[SPACE BAR] Access a Terminal and log on to the mainframe
When a database is crashed its appearance is blue and the database is smoking. A crashed database is the WORST case scenario, and you must recover the db within seconds before your stress meter gets too high.
The safest way to recover a crashed database is to reload a backup ([F4] key) under the Restore Mode, but a backup MUST have been made first prior to the crash. If no backup is available, your only option is to recycle the database the hard Way.
Switch to RECYCLE MODE ([F5]) and recycle the server. Recycling has a 50% chance of success each time and a 50% chance of corrupting your database once recovered.
Recycle mode should only be used as last resort!
When a database is corrupted it will turn dark green and database corruption will be visible. Red tiles represent the corrupted data blocks, orange tiles the correct data blocks. The more Red tiles you have, the more sever the corruption is.
To fix it, switch To SQL Mode ([F1] key) and fire the SQL Cannon on the database. You will notice red tiles being turned into orange while the corruption is being fixed. When the DB is repaired, it will resume its behaviour. You may need to fire the SQL cannon multiple times until full completion.
When a job fails it will rotate on itself and smoke. You will have limited time to connect to the mainframe via a Terminal on a console and fix it.
You can only fix failed jobs in CONSOLE MODE, switch to console mode ([F6] key). Get close to a console/Terminal and keep the [SPACE BAR] or [Mouse left click] pressed while fixing the job.
A meter will show progress during time. When all jobs are fixed a message will state operation is over, and then you can then release the mouse or pressed keys to disconnect.
The more job fail the more time this will take to fix them.
When critical locking occurs a database turns all red and does not rotate anymore.
The speed at which the database is turning and color tells you how healthy it is. The more
red it is, the more locks are created and slowing down the database.
When you end in critical locking the entire database is locked and no more transaction can be submitted. This is a critical situation; you will have to fix immediately Switch to KILL MODE ([F1] key), and kill all RED processes around the database. This will fix the situation.
Do not kill the Green/Correct processes; this will drain your Trust level.
For help you can use the SNIPER MODE using the [MOUSE Right Click], if you are too far.
Hacker process will appear above a database trying to steal information. To forbid this to happen kill it ASAP. If you wait for too long the Hacker process will steal information from your DB. At regular pace time the hacker process tries to find an exploit to get data from it.
Switch to KILL MODE ([F1] key), aim to the Hacker and fire on it multiple times. When the hacker process is getting weaker it will start to smoke.
For help you can use the SNIPER MODE using the [MOUSE Right Click], if you are too far.
You probably tried to temper with a resource file! All file and binaries should be kept in their respective directory. No file should be moved or renamed; this will trigger a MAV error.
The ways of the Lord are impenetrable. Please, send back to the support email address the description of the error and EXACTLY how it happened.
Mandatory information is:
¨ Your build and number version
¨ Detailed explanations on the issue.
¨ If you can reproduce it is even better, join the repro-case as well.
¨ Mind this; there is no support only good will
Yes you can! Background and game music are just classic MP3 files. You can decide to replace it with any MP3 of your liking. However you must place the file in the Sounds folder and name it properly (backup the original mp3 files as they will be overwritten by your own)
¨ For game music the MP3 file must be named: game.mp3
¨ For Background music on the Menu the MP3 file must be named: background.mp3
¨ They must be placed in the Sounds directory.
Yes you can! One rule though: file names, types as well as path MUST be the same as the file your replace. A BMP image must be replaced by as BMP image; it is the same for a PNG Image. File name is not case sensitive, but file path is hard coded into the software.
As an example
the cursor sprite
in the sprites directory
has a file name cursor32.png. Should you replace this sprite by another one it must be in the sprites directory and named cursor32.png
and of PNG type. If you don’t yoy may trigger a fatal
Memory access violation Error, and crash the application.
It has been developed with Blitz3D version 1.99 , using Direct X 7 (and yes it rather old API version). Other tools used (mostly open source) : Gimp, Blender, Vim, and my own music sets for the music.
Yes, there will be updates and new features in future version, be patient.
Though it should be considered as a milestone version.
No, there is no such plan, the game was developed with a Windows/Direct X ™ compatible only engine, porting would mean start from scratch. I do not have such time to spare sorry. However if volunteer are willing to do so, I would reconsider.
Why not, if the demand is high enough
Why do think this is called Crazy DBA ? This is a real time game, all event are triggered based on Percent of chances every x secs. There is no pattern and no pre-programmed IA but for path following. Events are just triggered based on the internal seed generator on your P.C.
You did not read the credits in the game ! Proudly made in Canada.
[1] Windows Vista, 2000 and XP , Direct X are trade marks of Microsoft Corporation
MacOS is a trade Mark of Apple corporation.
All other brands are trade marks of their respective owners
[2] Pentium , Core, Core 2 , Core Quad , I7 , GMA are trade marks of Intel corporation
Athlon , Athlon XP, Phenom, Phenom II, Phenom II X4 , ATI Radeon. Are trade marks of Advanced Micro Devices corporation
Geforce is a trade mark of Nvidia corporation
[3] Blitz3D is a trade Mark of Blitz Research