Unlike AO its a recent game (9.6/10 on gamespot) with awesome ratings etc. I don't know much of it yet again, but if you want to play it for free... you can!
There is an emulation for the beta
http://sourceforge.net/projects/wows(one of the last versions of the beta, almost full. Dont think theres noticeable difference except no future updates) that allows anyone to host a server, and there a few dozen big ones already.
The beta comes at 2.5gb and the 3 parts you need to dl are here
*link removed till i tested it myself, seems to be a problem..damn lying bastards*
I havent tested it myself, download it atm but a friend tested it for me and is playing it. Sounds like a very awesome game
On a sidenote; GTA 2 is officially free at
http://www.rockstargames.com/classics/
