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How to Put Sprites on the GBA

A sprite is a partially transparent, two-dimensional image placed over the background in many video games. These images can be created either via the hardware using custom DMA channels or, more commonly, via software. Even a beginning designer can create a sprite, although the process for transferring it into the game is somewhat more complex.

Things You'll Need

Paint program
Unlz.gma program
ROM (modified game program)

Instructions

Create a Sprite
- 1
  In a paint program, make a drawing of the sprite you want to use on your GBA. Make sure your colors are clearly defined.
- 2
  Resize the completed image to the size you want to use in the game.
- 3
  Zoom in on the image. This will show the fuzzy areas of pixelation.
- 4
  Set your pencil to the smallest size and carefully recolor the zoomed image to eliminate the pixelation. This must be done one pixel at a time.
- 5
  Save your image as a .gif file.
Adding Sprites to GBA Games
- 6
  Open your modified game, or ROM, on your computer.
- 7
  Open the Unlz.gba program.
- 8
  Select "goto" at the bottom-right, and enter the number that corresponds to the location of the image you wish to replace with your sprite. This may take some trial and error, until you locate an appropriate image to override.
- 9
  Save the image you are going to replace, and open it in your paint program. Copy the saved sprite image you made in Section 1 over the original game image. Alter the background color to match the original image's background color.
- 10
  Save the image and go back to unlz.gma. Select "import" and then select the image of your sprite. Select "write to ROM." When the pop-up opens, select "export image."

Game Boy