Summary

Sprites are undoubtedly a critical part of two-dimensional game programming because they allow you to create graphical objects that can move around independently of a background image. Not only that, but sprites can be designed so that they reside together in a system in which they can interact with one another. Most games represent a model of some kind of physical system, so a system of sprites becomes a good way of simulating a physical system in a game. This hour built on the sprite code that you developed in the previous hour by pulling sprites together into a system that is managed within the game engine. By actively managing the sprites in the game engine, you're able to ensure that they are layered properly according to Z-order, as well handle collisions between them.

Moving into the next hour, you'll quickly realize how important the new sprite features are to games. The next hour guides you through the development of a complete game called Henway, that is sort of a takeoff on the classic Frogger arcade game. You'll be using your newfound sprite knowledge to the maximum as you build Henway, so get ready!