Away3D includes three sprite classes:

The Sprite3D class is used to display a static image that is oriented to always face the camera. The DepthOfFieldSprite class is used to approximate the depth of field effect that is seen in photography. And the DirectionalSprite class is used to display one of a number of images depending on the orientation of the sprite in relation to the camera, using a technique that was popular in older games like Doom.

Thanks to their simple geometry, numerous Away3D sprites can be added to the scene at any given time while maintaining a high frame rate. We can take advantage of this to create some interesting visual effects, either by using the various sprite classes on their own, or by using them in conjunction with a particle system like Flint or Stardust. Stardust does not integrate with Away3D natively, but we have seen how to create two classes, Away3DParticle and Away3DParticleRenderer, that let us display a Stardust particle system using Away3D Sprite3D objects.

In the next chapter, we will look at how Away3D can be used to create and display 3D text.