Well, to do walking directions, I think 8 different animations are required. You could get by with only five (up, down, left-down, left, and left-up, and flip the 'lefts'). Play Zelda (original and gameboy) or PoG and you should understand.
------------------
"Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." - Muad'Dib