I beat this game many years ago as a wee lad multiple times. I'm pretty sure the boss on the tiger level you can use the up down ability behind the boss if you space it right as the hitbox for the ability is larger than the one for your character to take damage. I don't believe I ever used the little slow wavy ball on him. Plus you dodge all the crap he shoots out front. You just have to time your attacks right and duck when he floats low.
In classic "This Is The Run" fashion, the only time they used anything like that strategy, it was the first time they fought the boss.
damodar's comments