This is an online text game, it makes use of turns, and games are played in rounds (they end every few weeks or so, so there are actually winners to this game. If you don't like the three then don't bother.
Anyway, there are two game modes: Original and Melee. In original you get to control your own fleet (if you have the money - this is where trading comes in place) and take control of planets... I never really got the hang of Original when I used to play, I'll try it again next round. In melee you only control one ship and you make money by collecting bounties. In melee there are NPCs to train on and make money off of.
http://www.yapquest.com/

I found this game years ago, I played for a while but quit, and am now addicted again...
The layout is ancient, and they're just now working on a new layout... they've been busy so don't expect it soon. I also heard the Admin is going to implement some new features soon.