How do I make sprites go up and down

with out using 8 bit direction

Give them a bullet behavior and then set them in motion in the right directions/speed when whatever event you like tells them to...

with out using 8 bit direction

You need to give more information.

For instance, do you mean to oscillate up and down? If so, a simple sine behavior can be used, set to vertical movement only.

If you want a sprite to ne more directed, then as already mentioned, one way would be to use the bullet behavior.