Is there a way to track the sprites without actually having them be sprites unless they are on-screen? As in, they cease to be sprites off-screen, but rather become simply tracked variables, and when it's time to be back on-screen they are recreated as new sprites?
Yeah, that is the route I plan to go first and see how it works. It was in-the-works before the show, but tracking all those dome tops and checking for if its time to be drawn without them popping up funky or looking wonky, is a bit tricky. There isnt any room for error or "close enough" since its a visual effect. I believe that it is definitely doable though.
I haven't experimented yet, but its seeming like if you have sprites set and are actively updating them in the sprite table, they contribute to the line limit even if they are off of the viewable screen (but still in the "screen"). Which kinda blows, but also makes sense.
nothing except corals in background are composed of sprites 
The rainbow coral towers and the rooftops of the buildings are sprites.
Ok i see, if you want easily resolving you sprites problems, your domes (for background between) must be a background part, and your main background (dark corals) should not fall as low ..
Yeah, but then the deadmoon effect is killed.
Easy resolution isn't going to be the answer. Easy resolution will result in the visual effect looking less nice.
It will involve some planning. Careful planning.
Like I said, I have ideas.
A few of them that should help!
