Old but Gold:
In memory of eRIC (Eric Claire)
by vandersweater
This year, our "Oldie but Goldie" feature pays tribute to not just a specific level, but also a TRLE titan: veteran builder Eric Claire, better known to the TRLE community as eRIC. Eric passed away in August of this year.
Eric is best known for his sprawling 2009 game "Babylon is Fallen". Lara is caught in a time passage and transported to 6th century Babylon, just before the fall of the empire. The game was praised by players for its well executed classic gameplay style, impressive architecture, and balanced difficulty.
For years, Babylon is Fallen stood at #3 on the Lara's Levelbase Top 5 ranking, where it held a 9.933 rating. On TRLE.net the game holds a 9.77 rating, and TRCustoms ranks the game as "Masterpiece". Even in recent years the game has received positive reviews, showing that this 16 year old level set still holds up in 2025!
Eric is best known for his sprawling 2009 game "Babylon is Fallen". Lara is caught in a time passage and transported to 6th century Babylon, just before the fall of the empire. The game was praised by players for its well executed classic gameplay style, impressive architecture, and balanced difficulty.
For years, Babylon is Fallen stood at #3 on the Lara's Levelbase Top 5 ranking, where it held a 9.933 rating. On TRLE.net the game holds a 9.77 rating, and TRCustoms ranks the game as "Masterpiece". Even in recent years the game has received positive reviews, showing that this 16 year old level set still holds up in 2025!
For those looking for something a bit more seasonal, check out Eric's 2013 Back to Basics: Northern Legends entry "Septentrion". Lara is on the hunt for The Septentrion, a 12th century merchant ship carrying barrels of fine liquor and the chalice of great price. The ship disappeared in the year 1158, rumored to be the victim of a Viking raid. Eric showed off his skills once again with this level-- players awarded Septentrion first place in the competition!
Eric released a total of 11 custom levels from 2004 until 2011. He was interviewed by DJ Full for TRLE.net in 2014, in which he and DJ discuss Eric's building philosophy, his released works, and background as a computer programmer for IBM. Read DJ's interview here.
Eric was 63 years old. He leaves behind a legacy that the TRLE community won't soon forget. Goodbye for now Eric, we will see you again beyond the Floating Islands.
Eric released a total of 11 custom levels from 2004 until 2011. He was interviewed by DJ Full for TRLE.net in 2014, in which he and DJ discuss Eric's building philosophy, his released works, and background as a computer programmer for IBM. Read DJ's interview here.
Eric was 63 years old. He leaves behind a legacy that the TRLE community won't soon forget. Goodbye for now Eric, we will see you again beyond the Floating Islands.
