Strange Error (?) on PS2 Game [solved]

[DaveMMR]

Okay, I picked up Gauntlet: Dark Legacy for the PS2 used.  I boot it up and when it starts to load, I get this screen...



at which point I can't do anything.  

I tried searching the web with no luck.

So some more info:  The disc is one of the infamous "blue bottom" ones, but I tested out another blue bottomed disc (Rez) without issue.   I tried taking out all memory cards (1st and 3rd party), controllers, cleaning the disc, turning on Diagnostic mode, cleaning the inside with compressed air and doing "lens adjustments", all to no avail.   All other discs (DVD games, DVD movies, PS1 games) work fine.   As a matter of fact, this disc shows up in the browser and boots with no issue - until I get to that screen.

[EDIT MORE INFO:  PS2 not modded, game appears to be a legit copy)

Any ideas?

[DaveMMR]

Upon closer inspection I see there's a scratch in the disc from the label side (I needed some sleep to finally realize that...)   It's pretty much a coaster...    

Thank you, Gamestop. 

[Mikezilla]

How much did you spend on it?

[DaveMMR]

How much did you spend on it?

$10 - and I ended up being able to return it so no big deal (I was pessimistic in my original post).    I traded it in for Contra: Shattered Soldiers and spent another $10 on Ace Combat 5.  Both are better games so I ended up ahead.   

[northerngames]

never seen a screen like that on any ps2 stuff so it was weird for sure.

[Mikezilla]

How much did you spend on it?

$10 - and I ended up being able to return it so no big deal (I was pessimistic in my original post).    I traded it in for Contra: Shattered Soldiers and spent another $10 on Ace Combat 5.  Both are better games so I ended up ahead.   

I wanted to take a shotgun to Konami and find the ---uvulas--- responsible for Contra: SS. That was one of the worst games EVER. The ONLY thing that kept me playing that ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- was the damn music. 

[DaveMMR]

never seen a screen like that on any ps2 stuff so it was weird for sure.

Neither have I, and that's why I had the ask.  I'm used to Disc Read Errors, and I guess the look of the disc overall had both me and the PS2 fooled.  But hey, I've been meaning to clean out the inside and adjust the laser anyhow...

I wanted to take a shotgun to Konami and find the ---uvulas--- responsible for Contra: SS. That was one of the worst games EVER. The ONLY thing that kept me playing that ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- was the damn music. 

I only played a little but I think it's actually a good Contra title - and a nice comeback after the 3-D debacles.  But it's hard. Extremely stupid hard.   I've come to expect that from a Contra title but the second level will spank you in 30 seconds...