Tabula Rasa

Well, since the game is going to be discontinued in a few months it's opening a "free" option for its last month in service. I had always wanted to try it out as it was a more Sci-fish MMO. However, even though they say it'll be free for the last month it still requires you enter credit card information... anyone know what's up with that? Also, have any of you played the game and was it any good?