MMORPG with a great science fiction theme. It is a really good game. It used to be completely retail, now it's free unless you want to pay 8 bucks a month for 3 expansion sets and perks. But the "classic" (free) version is definitely a lot of fun. If you like MMORPG's and don't feel like paying for them, this is certainly at the top of the list of games to try.
It's easy to "gimp" (ruin) your characters though, so start off easy, like an Enforcer (warrior-type) or a Martial Artist until you get the hang of the game. And make sure you get past the noobie island. The rest of the game is a LOT better. You might want to read a guide or two before you start, it's not the type of game to just jump into and expect to know what you're doing. I got to my third character before I stopped gimping them.
Yea you really have to start to know the game and then you come out the top character at your level. I started a long time ago as a soldier, gimped everything. I changed and found an NT(nano technician) theyre the equivalent of the spellcasters in other games. I got him to 55 I think, kinda gimped him really, well than I made an adventurer. I got him to 64, playing free, and then really I couldnt find places to level so I bought all the expansions for 10$ and 35$ for 3 monthes, it was very worth it IMO, you get basically 50%+ more game. well I got him to 153, made an NT got him to 106 I think, but I havent played ina month about, I just really havent felt like playing, end game stuff didnt seem to promising, but I wasnt close to it but really It got really hard. The community isnt bad at all and im sure people can help you a lot if you ask. The game also isnt very demanding with hardware, it uses DX7 so the graphics arent 100% upto date but by no means are they horrible, I find them unique kinda.
I got my enforcer to level 115 on the free version, and I hadn't gotten to the Inner Sanctum yet (requires lvl 120 I think). So I think you missed the Foreman's dungeon and the Cyborgs in Mort. But I hear a lot of people say it's worth paying for the expansions. I've thought about it a couple times myself, but I'm cheap.