FGODMOM is an old '90s DOS (later partially adapted to Windows) shareware video game, written by John Blackwell. It's a simple shoot-em-up game where you overcome obstacles and enemies, collect treasure and advance to the next level. That sort of thing. Very primitive but exciting and enjoyable. What makes the game exceptional though is you can create your own really exciting and enoyable levels with it.
The pure DOS version of the game is a single file and doesn't require any installation. Just run it from your hard drive, USB stick, floppy disk, or CDROM disk. It does, however, generate saved-game files to keep track of your progress.
The Windows adaptation of the game is the DOS game with an added Windows interface. It's easier to create your own levels using this interface, but for just playing the game the DOS version is probably easier.
Both versions should run just fine under DOS or any pre-XP version of Windows. I myself never had any problems running it under XP either but others reportedly have, especially with laptop machines. The game is NOT compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7. However there is a free, downloadable DOS emulater called DOSBOX, which works fine for playing Fgodmom. I've used it on my 64-bit Windows 7 machine with no problems.
I've selected out the 100 best of the FGODMOM levels I created and put them into two sets of 50. These are available here for immediate download. Included in the download are the original DOS program, Blackwell's own 100 levels, and a README file giving instructions for play and other info. Read that first.
I've also included here for download my 9 sets of 50 levels each from which the 'favorites' sets were culled. You'll need Blackwell's levels to learn how to play the game, so these and the DOS version of the game are included. These more extensive sets will likely be useful practice for playing the 'favorites' sets. They also contain some very good levels that didn't make it to the 'favorites' due to being long and difficult.
Finally I've included additional levels created by another Fgodmom enthusiast. You can download his levels here.
Note that all downlaods have been compressed using 7-Zip, which is free, open-source software, but can be decompressed using WinZip and other such applications as well.
If you get stuck on any level, see the illustrated Techniques and Play page I've put together for the game. This contains the basics, as well as some more advanced techniques and spoilers.
John Blackwell's AOL web site no longer exists, but you can download the Windows version of the game here. If you have any questions about either version, feel free to contact me.
Finally, if you've made some levels of your own, I'd love to see them.
Update 2011
John Blackwell has a new web site at http://fgodmom.com/ where he speaks of upcoming FGODMOM apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
