Great to hear other folks are interested in Tachyon: The Fringe as a multiplayer game (even though the game was released in 2000). I just downloaded the game for $14.99 from the official site at NovaLogic (Google: "Tachyon: The Fringe official site").

It appears that multiplayer games can be hosted at the NovaWorld server, either as "NovaWorld Games," "Public Games," or "Password Games." A multiplayer game can also be be played on a LAN/IPX server. Finally, the game allows you to act as a host (on your own server as a "Public Game"?).

I realize this is an older game, but it's exactly the type of combat space sim I've been looking for: easy to learn, includes funny elements, and involves being social - in this case, the capacity to voicechat with other pilots. I only have a notebook, though, so in order for me to do that, I'd have to spring for a USB-connected keypad, and I'm on a tight budget.

If we can get a number of people organized here, or if one of you has any idea as to how to spread the word through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc., I'm all ears.

Thanks so much. I look forward to multiplayer games with you soon.

P.S. - You should be able to try out the newest version for 60 days at www.download.com. CNET certifies its downloads as virus, malware, and spyware free. You might, however, still get a warning from your antivirus program for whatever reason because the NovaLogic site has a "poor repuation". When I downloaded the game, I scanned all the files (including both set-up files and those in program folders) and found no threats.