Hey guys,
We rented Kingdom Hearts for PS2 last night. When we load it, we get to the start screen, select "Start New Game", set easy or advanced, vibrate on or off, and then the game goes to a black screen like it's loading...but never comes out of it! We have let it sit upwards of 20 minutes. However, we can press "start" and it will say "PAUSED".

Anyone have this issue?

Sounds like a defective disc. Never heard of this issue before.

It could be a defective PS2 as well, I had a friend who could not get GTA:SA to work even though all his other games would play. So I would say try the game in other machines and see what happens but seeing as it is a rental it could likely be a defective disc as well so be sure to get a replacement from the rental place so your money is not wasted.

try turning your PS2 upside down (horizontally, do not do this standing vertically). thats the only way i could get xenosaga and SO3 to work.