Yeah, that energy ball thing ticks me off. Although I am pretty skilled at it: I hit it back at him 7 times without getting hit by it.
After like two tries I finally beat him. I enjoyed watching him burn in that blue fire stuff.
I've got it for N64 and Gamecube, but I prefer the Gamecube version, as I like the controller better.
Anyway, I'm just up to the Forest temple in it, even though I've already beaten it twice.