Warning, the game uses all the damn keys on your keyboard and it's far from simple.

Is this free? Looks like it...

the full game is $30 and it's well worth it.

* Download the Evochron Mercenary Server Program (2.5 MB). The server program lets a host manage a multiplayer game without having to run the entire game

* Supports Natural Point's TrackIR 3D head control system for managing the viewpoint from the cockpit with all six degrees of movement. Supports keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and joystick flight control. Use the control device you prefer to play the game. Force feedback control is also supported.

* True freeform gameplay without plot restrictions, conditions, or limitations. No character attribute/skill limitations to hold you back.

* Diverse gameplay choices and activities including racing, spying, mining, trading, commodity shipping, escorting, combat (both in civilian space and military war zones), exploring, asteroid clearing, equipment cleaning, crew management, station building, and ship designing.

* New clan territory control system. Clans can take partial control of solar systems through cooperative contracts and clan-vs-clan battles in multiplayer.

* New graphics engine supporting higher resolutions, greater detail, and new effects/technology. Broad compatibility includes support for most 3D video cards with at least shader 2.0 capability.

* New Multiplayer system with much higher performance for improved precision and gameplay.

* Clan ID linking system lets you establish your indicated threat levels with other players in multiplayer.

* Cooperative multiplayer objectives that pay all linked players.

* New gun turret binding mode in multiplayer allows players to link their ships together. One player controls a 360-degree gun turret attached to the player's ship they've linked to.

* New dynamic music system (with music by Rich Douglas). Music changes with the level of hostility around you from soft ambient to high intensity action.