Shame's different, but as not radically changed as Despise (there are much tougher versions of the old monsters, and a few new ones). It's not as easy a place as before, though, and the lower levels are fairly lethal even for a finished character that comes back where the player remembers the "old" Shame. The Fel side Despise is like you remember it, but you would have to deal with the comings and goings of spawners and raiders heading to the spawn level.
Covetous first level might be more your speed. Then, work your way up to the ratmen in Ilshenar Sacrifice and the rats & earth eles in the caves beyond.