Was it possible to get more than 8 sprites per scanline on an Amiga with the copper list?

Question

I've read in the past that it was possible to overcome the 8 sprites per scanline on the Amiga (OCS) using the copper list. However, I can't seem to find any actual references to what may have used this trick (any games or demos).

Is this actually possible? I would imagine that the second reuse of the same sprite would need some space to be reused again. Meaning, it couldn't be put side-by-side.

Also, was this technique used in games? What were the general limitations of such a trick?

Thanks.

Answer 1

It definitely was possible, as demonstrated by Parasol Stars, which "only uses a single sprite to create the score panel at the top of the screen!"

That article has a more detailed discussion of exactly that title but it sounds to be as simple as racing the beam, adjusting the sprite position continually to push it backwards beyond the location currently reached.

EDIT: the sprite tricks section of that same site gives a whole bunch of other examples with copper lists, including these four that all repeat sprites on the same line:

• Videokid: Programmer Stuart Cook enhanced the Amiga version by using 6 sprites multiplexed across the screen to create a full screen scrolling background parallax layer;
• R-Type 2: 8 sprites to create a 64 pixel wide repeating pattern for the backgrounds on most levels. The 8 sprites are repositioned multiple times as the display is rendered to show 18 sprites for a 288 pixel wide screen;
• Jim Power: 2 sprites are displayed then repositioned horizontally right across the screen to create the colourful static background;
• Risky Woods: The 16-colour background layer was created by using all 8 hardware sprites and repositioning them across the screen. The same 64 pixel wide graphics are repeated across the entire play area.