Capitol City of Turimor (GIMP)

[Coyotemax]

I think it comes down to the intent of the map. Some maps are very accurate, as the people using those want to have the detail (and it's makes it easy to visualize a chase through the streets sometimes, heh).

But a map that intended to show off the highlights of the city would be very much like what you're describing. Just take a look at maps that get printed out for tourists sometime

[Ascension]

I like it for two reasons: it looks like a crocodile back an the colors are interesting. What I would suggest to fix that mosaic look is to really work on the negative space. Instead of just carving out lines, put some rectangles in there to give the squares something more of a housey shape by defining yards and open spaces. Of course this will result in free-standing houses instead of common-wall houses, but c'est la vie. If you decide to go this route I would suggest removing the bevel before erasing things and then reapply the bevel when done.

[Steel General]

The city blocks look too much like mosaics to me unfortunately

I feel that way as well, the concept is good, just needs a bit of refining I think.