Zap’s Sprite Animation Tutorial
December 23rd, 2008
This 5-part tutorial will show you how I created the battle scenes in Warcrimes of the Heart, step-by-step, from sprite creation to final composition.
Here are the links to all the stuff you will need:
- Mortal Kombat sprites
- Super Mario Bros. sprites
- Download the project files here
(including a PSD with everything already cut-out and ready to animate)
Part 1: Extracting heads and sprites in Photoshop
Part 2: Animating sprites in Image Ready
Part 3: Animating sprites in After Effects
Part 4: Adding camera movement to sprite animation in After Effects
Part 5: The 3D zoom effect in After Effects
I have no doubt that someone with talent and patience can use these techniques to make something way cooler than “Warcrimes”. I look forward to it. Feel free to link to your own animations in the comments below.

