Marshford (Town Practice Map)

[Wired]

Each and every one is unique. Those lines define the material used for the roof. In the big city you most definately find not only roof made from tiles but also a wood one, maybe some flat too. So try to use more then one. Map will have more depth.

As for the styles, i prefer #1 with the light tiling accent, but still its ok to make it more intense in some building like in #3. It is a good way to emphasize major or important buildings in the city. #2 is also ok. I would guess those roofs are made from wood as rest of the building and can represent poor district, or simple houses.

Variety is the key to an interesting city. Size variations as well, and height variations (shown by shadow later on)

I'd use all three, and then add some more variations on top of that

Heh, thanks, you two. I don't know why I didn't realize this obvious approach by myself, but that's why I have you people to thump me on the head. Don't just use one, use multiple styles. Of course!