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A retrospective piece argues that Call of Duty 2, released for Xbox 360, marked the beginning of the end for Halo's reign as the dominant console shooter franchise, crediting the game with showcasing the new console's capabilities while delivering a standout entry in its own right. The piece reflects on the shifting competitive landscape between the two franchises in the mid-2000s. The retrospective frames Call of Duty 2 as a pivotal moment in console shooter history, contributing to Call of Duty's eventual rise to become the genre's leading franchise at Halo's expense.