AMSprite is designed to make cross-platform development of Amtrad CPC games easier. It can produce sprites and loading screens in both Mode 0, 1 or 2. It could also be used to create ZX Spectrum monochrome sprites when set to Mode 2.
Sprites can be of any user-defined dimensions. The palette (16 colours mode 0, 4 colours mode 1, 2 colours mode 2) is fully customisable and the original colours are authentically represented.
All output is in MAXAM/WinApe compatible assembly language that can be copied and pasted into your favourite cross-platform environment.
Loading screen binary data is output in byte order for direct loading into screen memory. Sprite binary data is output in lines from top to bottom.
A file in AMSprite (.amsx) consists of a set of Sprites and Loading Screens. When the program is first run, you are presented with a blank list, set to mode 0 with the default palette. Click the "New Sprite" button at bottom left and enter a name and dimensions (for a sprite), or just a name (for a loading screen). A new blank image will be created. Select foreground and background pen colours by left-clicking or right-clicking the coloured buttons at top right. You can now draw points and lines on the canvas at right. A preview is shown at bottom right.
AMSprite allows the importing of external images for use as sprites or loading screens, and the export of blank images in .png format with the amstrad palette pre-configured for use in your favourite paint program.
To import an image, first select the inks and mode to best match your image. Then click the "Import Image" button on the toolbar.