When it comes to games with pure text interface, the phrase "intuitive interface" is impossible if the game is computer moderated. Unless the programmer can solve the million dollar problem of parsing natural language, players will have to abide with un-intuitive means if interacting with the computer.
Sure, some systems are better than others (arcane number codes vs actual words), but in the end they will all follow a strict format that can only be learned by reading a manual or tutorial.
(addition)
... which is why I think an interactive orders creator is an invaluable tool.
The player should identify an action he wants to do, e.g., move a ship from A to B, and be able to do] it, without having to figure out how to encode/instruct that order. This is what GUIs are for: translating abstract actions a user wants to accomplish into a command the machine can understand.
Sure, some systems are better than others (arcane number codes vs actual words), but in the end they will all follow a strict format that can only be learned by reading a manual or tutorial.
(addition)
... which is why I think an interactive orders creator is an invaluable tool.
The player should identify an action he wants to do, e.g., move a ship from A to B, and be able to do] it, without having to figure out how to encode/instruct that order. This is what GUIs are for: translating abstract actions a user wants to accomplish into a command the machine can understand.