After you complete the levels within a world, it is time to face off against the boss. These are usually large creatures native to the world the Tikis have taken over to try to stop Donkey Kong. This is a duel to complete one world and unlock the next one.
When Donkey Kong arrives at the boss level, be sure to grab Diddy Kong from the DK Barrel if you do not already have him. His Barrel Jet will come in handy, and the two additional hearts he provides will help out a lot since these boss battles can be dangerous.
Mugly is normally a peaceful creature, happy to eat his bananas. However, once the Tiki takes over, Mugly turns into a major threat. He grows spikes along his head and back and acquires a hunger for gorillas.
Mugly starts off the duel with a charge attack. As he approaches, hover-jump into the air and land on his back to thump him. While he is charging, his spikes retract. Get a solid hit and then move away.
As Mugly charges again, use the same tactic to get out of his way and to get in another hit. Jump up in time or he will swallow you, and you will lose one of your hearts.
Mugly’s next attack is a high jump in which he tries to land on and smash you. While he is up in the air, roll underneath him and then jump onto his back from behind to get in a third hit.
After three hits, Mugly becomes upset and turns from yellow to orange. He will continue using the two types of attacks from before, but he will add a new one. When you see him make an extremely high jump, rush underneath him and move toward the arena’s opposite side. When he lands, he will cause a shock wave that travels through the ground. Jump over the waves or you will lose a heart.
Using the same tactics as before, get three more hits on Mugly during this second round of attacks. As you get in some hits, hearts may appear. Quickly grab them to restore your health and get ready for the next attack.
Now Mugly is enraged and changes from orange to red. He is now faster when he charges you, so you have to jump quick. Stay near one end of the arena; when Mugly skids to a stop, you will land right on his back for a quick hit.
Mugly’s jump attacks are also more frequent and faster, so you must be ready to roll right under him and get out of his way.
If you have a hard time jumping onto Mugly’s back during his charge attacks, wait until he hits the side of the arena and is dazed for a few seconds. When you see the stars circling his head, rush in and hit him before he recovers.
After you score your third hit in this last round, Mugly is down for the count and the battle is almost over.
The Tiki who was controlling Mugly emerges and is also dazed. This is your chance—rush forward and jump near it to punch it and complete the battle. One boss down and a lot more to go.