Stealth Mode

The Stealth Mode is a power-up featured in Speed Freaks.

Description

The Stealth Mode is pick-up that allows the user to turn temporarily invisible for about 12 seconds. It also makes him/her invincible against all offensive weapons, especially the dreaded shockwave. It also has an additional effect where the power-up can be used to steal the energy in an opposing driver's speed boost bar and adding it to the user's own. It could steal up to a full bar's worth of speed boost power. Other power-ups can be picked up and used while invisible.

Strategy

Using it

The Stealth Mode is one of the most useful pick-ups in the game because of its capabilities. When you have one on hand, you can activate it just as a homing missile or a shockwave is about to hit you. The speed boost energy stealing ability is a nice bonus, as well. The Tire Pop would have no effect on you while you use it or if you had just activated it.

However, if you fall into a body of deep water or a pool of lava, the power-up's effects will instantly wear off when you respawn.

By acquiring additional Stealth Modes, you can extend the amount of time you have being invisible. The fact that other power-ups can be picked up and used while you're invisible is another useful quality.

Countering it

Beware that opponents can use the Stealth Mode as well. When you see an opponent activate it, staying clear is a must. Plus, they'll be invincible, too, so not even a shockwave will put them down until the power-up wears off. 

If you and an opponent are both invisible, you're safe until either you or your opponent becomes visible again.