News Flash: Familiar Tales Announced, Trails Released

Familiar Tales Announced
Plaid Hat Games has announced a new 'story crafting' game, currently available for pre-order and set for release in January. "An exciting narrative game where players take on the roles of a wizard’s familiars, entrusted with saving and raising a displaced princess. They must keep her safe from the evil forces that would see her dead, but when it comes to children, it is not enough to merely survive! The familiars know that every choice they make will affect the young one in their care. If they are victorious and the throne is reclaimed, what kind of woman will sit upon it?"
Source: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2021/11/08/announcing-familiar-tales/

Trails Released
Keymaster Games has released Trails, the next game in the Parks game line. "Trails invites you to take a leisurely stroll in the beautiful outdoors. Enjoy a relaxing hike collecting acorns, spotting wildlife, and earning wilderness badges... It's time to hit the trails!"
Source: https://keymastergames.com/collections/parks-collection/products/trails

People of Play (POP) Announces Virtual POP Week Schedule
POP has announced a week full of virtual events running from November 15 - 20, 2021. "The week includes The Toy & Game International Innovation Summit, POP Duo Keynotes Legends & Leaders, Networking in the POP Pub Rooms, Entertainment on the Fair Stages, TAGIE Awards, and Young Inventors Challenge."
Source: https://peopleofplay.com/blog/people-of-play-pop-announces-virtual-pop-week-schedule

Crimes & Capers: And the Winner is... Dead! Pre-Order
The next game in Renegade Game Studios's Crimes & Capers line (a mash-up of escape rooms and murder mystery games) has been announced and is available for pre-order. "You are a nominee at the 67th Annual Music Awards!  Unfortunately, you won’t be winning anything tonight. Mannie, our host, America’s Sweetheart Pop Star is dead. We are asking that you remain in the green room for your safety.  While there, try to open Mannie’s purse to look for clues as to what went down at rehearsal that led to her murder. "
Source: https://renegadegamestudios.com/crimes-capers-and-the-winner-is-dead

Ultimate Railroads Announced
Z-Man Games has announced Ultimate Railroads, which includes Russian Railroads and its expansions plus a brand new one titled Asian Railroads. "In Ultimate Railroads, this gaming experience is complemented by the inclusion of the American Railroads and German Railroads expansions, including all existing promo content. With these, you can experience everything you love from the base game, as well as the additions from both expansions."
Source: https://www.zmangames.com/en/news/2021/11/10/announcing-ultimate-railroads/

Best Digital Board Games
Screen Rant has posted a roundup of their favorite board game adaptations. "For those looking for strategy, there are some great ports of board games like Dominion and Gloomhaven for PC, Android, iPhone, and more."
Source: https://screenrant.com/digital-board-games-online-best-tabletop/

Games For Thanksgiving
The Chicago Tribune has posted a roundup of board game suggestions to play this Thanksgiving. "The holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving, a time to relax among family with food, drink and perhaps some games. For those families that like to play with — and against — one another, there are plenty of relatively easygoing games that cater to all ages and interests, perfect for a long, lazy weekend."
Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/consumer-reviews/sns-bestreviews-toys-best-family-thanksgiving-games-20211102-rnfhqjjd3va55enfij3eh4bmf4-story.html

Reviews
Nightmare In The Mirror (Board Game Gumbo): “I can heartily recommend the Decktective system, and I honestly enjoyed Nightmare In The Mirror even more than Bloody-Red Roses. I am looking forward to more entries in the future.”
Source: https://techraptor.net/tabletop/reviews/horrified-american-monsters-board-game-review

Fort (Gameosity): “It’s not a complicated game, but there’s definitely the need for strategy in this bright, colorful box full of high-quality components (seriously; dual-layer boards, nice wooden tokens for pizza and toys, and Kyle Ferrin’s fantastic art make for a wonderful presentation)”
Source: https://www.gameosity.com/2021/11/10/fort-review/

Gartenbau (One Board Family): “This game is simple to teach and players tend to pick up easily on the mechanics. However, because of the varied scoring criteria on the flower tiles, the game will look a little different each time it is played. This variability makes it hard to master the game, but it also keeps it incredibly interesting as players try to make their gardens bigger and better each time.”
Source: https://oneboardfamily.com/gartenbau-preview/