Germany finally lifts Doom sales ban

BBC News reports underage German gamers are now finally allowed to buy Doom and Doom II as the German Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien (Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons) has revised the games' rating to USK 16+. The American version of Doom II remains banned though because it includes two Wolfenstein 3D levels that portray Nazi symbols.

The classic video game was put on an index of controlled titles in 1994 as it was deemed likely to harm youth.

Like pornography, sales of the violent shoot 'em up were restricted to adult-only stores.

The rules have been relaxed because officials believe that Doom is now only of artistic and scientific interest and will not appeal to youngsters.

However, one version of the game remains on the index because it features Nazi symbols on some levels.