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They’ve only really put out three full-length albums in their 10-year public history, so it makes sense that Linkin Park would wade into the waters of a fourth album very slowly. They still swear it’s coming this year, but in the meantime, head-rapper-in-charge Mike Shinoda is making a very different announcement: We just made a video game, y’all!

Okay, these were not his exact words. But nevertheless, it’s true: ”8-Bit Rebellion” is a mobile game app designed for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the newly shipped iPad in which, Shinoda says, “you’ll battle enemies and solve mysteries in order to stop an evil corporation’s mass-brainwashing campaign.” Whatever that means.

Also, each member of Linkin Park has been shrunk down into an 8-bit character capable of such a mission. There are new 8-bit versions of classic Linkin Park songs as well and — if you can beat the game — a new, fully fleshed-out Linkin Park song called “Blackbirds” promises to emit from your not-so-high-fidelity iPhone speakers.

Of course, if you’re not willing to wait — or if you kinda suck at video games — you can also here a preview of “Blackbirds” on the band’s official website.