try dark orbit
it's an old browser game, but it's been shined up a bit.

starting off is rather easy. players can shoot you down on any map after training is complete though.

i have to mention 1 thing if someone does check it out.

there is a noob chat when you start off. you do not have access to global or your company chat for ~2hours of following quests.
it's a pain, but this game in it's prime had an espionage factor that made this helpful.

also, look into the hourly auction. this is a game you can become equally competitive with max players without spending any $

if anyone cares, i am on USeast server