Sprite objects are general use spritemaps, driven by an instruction set. Generally, they are utilized as 'particle effects', such as dust, explosions, or flashes, but they are also utilized by certain enemies to allow for additional sprite-maps to be drawn simultaneously without requiring additional enemies. If you're programming a custom item, enemy, or other such thing, sprite objects are a great, simple way to add graphical effects to your custom code.

To spawn a sprite object, you first need to set 4 addresses in ram with parameters for that sprite object:

$12: The X position to spawn your sprite object
$14: The Y position to spawn your sprite object
$16: the Sprite object ID (see table below)
$18: The base tile number and palette bits to spawn your sprite object with

To actually spawn the sprite object, you need to call the routine in bank $B4 which does so, using the following operation:

 JSL $B4BC26 

For any sprite object that uses graphics from the game's uncompressed, general use sprite graphic set, you're most likely going to need to store zero to $18. In cases where sprite objects need to use different palettes or graphics sets, the value stored to $18 will vary.