Mercury Games and Ertain BV today announced that they had entered a partnership that will see over ten Nintendo DS games get the go ahead for release in both North America and Europe.

The deal promotes Ertain’s Zen Series of DS games, consisting of innovative painting games, puzzle games, relaxing fish simulations, all for release in 2007. The titles are what might be classified as another wave of non-games for Nintendo’s dual screened portable, with no winning or losing as such, just the opportunity to relax, relieve stress and unwind.

Amongst others, they include the following three projects:

Paint Pleasure: “Becoming a master painter has never been so easy. Enjoy remaking some famous masterpieces using watercolor paint, oil paint or coloring pencils. Painting refreshes your mind and the result of your work will be great.”

Aquarium DS Real: Make a tropical fish tank out of your Nintendo DS. Design your own tank, by putting in rocks and plant or some crazy buildings. Control the water temperature and take care of your pet fish. Have you ever seen a whale swimming in your aquarium? It is possible by sharing your fish with others.

Calligraphy DS: Become a real calligrapher and use the stylus as your brush. Write down your most beautiful poem. Or become like the famous Aida Mitsuo and re-do his magnificent works. Enjoy the relaxation, which poetry and calligraphy can bring you.

An aquarium! on your DS!

Tomo Ohno, COO, Ertain BV, said:

“Teaming up with Mercury Games is a great way to enter the Western market. We can develop our position alongside them and firmly establish our presence. The timing is great and we feel that we have the right mix of product, ambition and partner. We look forward to a great relationship.”

Leo Zullo, President, Mercury Games added:

“This is a great strategic step for Mercury Games. Japan has long been a source for innovative products. Now with Ertain, it is a great pleasure to be working with fun and expansive products that don’t necessarily follow a trend, but cater to a distinct market, and follow a great ethos”.

The subject matter of these games are no doubt going to appeal to a particular sector of the DS audience, offering yet more casual experiences and broadening the console’s appeal as a device to be utilised not solely for serious videogaming.