NEW POLL : The Cities of Skyrim

  • Time for our midweek poll, and we're asking for thoughts about the main cities of Skyrim.

    A lot was made in the build up to the game about how great care was being given to ensure that there was no repeat of the cookie-cutter cities from Oblivion. Did they succeed in your view? Are the cities sufficiently distinctive in architecture, culture and mood?

    Which one of the five main cities do you like the most? Take the poll and express your views. And use the comments to discuss why your prefer one city more than the others.

    I'm sure very few will need a reminder of the options but here they are anyway.

    MARKATH SIDE is an ancient Dwemer run chiselled from the rock of a deep gorge. Following the disappearance of the Dwemer, Markarth Side was abandoned until the rise of the Septims. Tiber Septim established the College of the Voice in Markarth Side, which, subsequently, attracted the Nords to establish it as one of the major cities of Skyrim.

    RIFTEN is a city located in the south-east of Skyrim The city is lower-class, with poor quality housing, narrow streets and a large network of sewers, running under its streets. One Point of Interest is a sewer system called the "Ratways" beneath Riften, where the Thieves Guild are known to be based.

    SOLITUDE also known as Haafingar is the home of the famous Bard's College and one of Skyrim's chief ports. Founded during Skyrim's long Alessian flirtation, the Bards' College continues to flaunt a heretical streak, and its students are famous carousers! Solitude is the base for the Imperial presence in the region.

    WHITERUN is located in Skyrim's central tundra region, and is the home to the Companions. Once considered the primary and most influential city in Skyrim, it has more recently fallen on hard times. Whiterun is listed as being under an Imperial reign. However, the Jarl claims that he has yet to decide who to join, technically making the city of Whiterun neutral.

    WINDHELM was the capital of Skyrim in the days of Ysgrmaor. It is now the power base of the rebel Stormcloak group who seek to overthrow Imperial rule in the province. It's strategic importance is that it is the only substantial city in the Hold of Eastmarch and is a base for Imperial troops guarding the pass into Morrowind

    OK, vote in the poll and comment below... 

Comments

33 Comments
  • Kynareth
    Kynareth   ·  November 20, 2011
    After the first 20 hours of playing, it would have to be Whiterun.  The people are fairly welcoming, I like the three tiers, and a keep called Dragonreach?  What is not to like?
    But now that I have had an opportunity to spend time in Markath Side, i...  more
  • Conan
    Conan   ·  November 17, 2011
    I love Riften! Probably because I've spent so much time there becoming the Grand Master Thief!
  • shoresinflames
    shoresinflames   ·  November 17, 2011
    I find all the cities great, but what's with Riften being at the bottom? I thought they did a great, great job with Riften! It truly feels like a rough, brutal and corrupt town. The atmosphere fits perfectly, compared to Oblivion's Bravil, which tried to ...  more
  • Fred
    Fred   ·  November 17, 2011
    I can't vote.  48 hours into the game and I have yet to visit Windhelm or Markath Side.  (Or Falkreath, Morthal, Dawnstar, or Winterhold)
  • Nash113
    Nash113   ·  November 17, 2011
    I haven't visited Solitude yet so my vote is somewhat baised. I just got to Markarth and have to say I'll be spending a lot of time there. But Whiterun is my favorite thus far. Walking around the bend where the winery is, at night, with mist swirling arou...  more
  • Hero
    Hero   ·  November 17, 2011
    Whiterun. Its central, it has a blacksmith right around the cornor from my home and there is everything i need.
  • wil lowery
    wil lowery   ·  November 17, 2011
    Riften = fun and everyone is rude and slightly shady....reminds me if New York lol.
  • Zirinis
    Zirinis   ·  November 17, 2011
    i just discovered why i loved whiterun so much is because it itself is an easter egg meaning to look like the city rohan
  • Mimsy Borogove
    Mimsy Borogove   ·  November 16, 2011
    I picked Solitude mostly because I just got done having a raging good time at the Burning of King Olaf's Effigy. Free spiced wine, free meat pies, free sweet rolls, what else does one need in life? I got drunk and ran around casting my hovering light spel...  more
  • Aeglos
    Aeglos   ·  November 16, 2011
    I have been to all the cities and looked them over fairly well.  I still like Whiterun as my overall favorite.  I also like the layout of Dragonsreach, the Jarl's castle.  Whiterun just seems to have that homey feel to it.  It also has an overall safer fe...  more