I have been playing on 2golddragons since 4/18/2002. I have never been charged anything, and have been refused when payment was offered.

It is Vader's personal project. I think the game was a learning experience with possibilities of income. Active players has gone from dozens to handfuls. Once in a long while he makes a change to the game, either new weapons, or a new feature. Like here, and takeaplay, it is real people providing a cool turn based game.

Personally, I would recommend that a group of you who like to play together in Blue Max, go to 2golddragons as a group. That way you can start a bunch of games with each other. You will learn the weapons and targeting systems in a more even arena than going up against the few of us who have been there for years. It also has a very nice squadron/alliance feature (design your own logo, etc.)