Sounds like youse should try out said “other game in development” (indeed iOS only for the time being):
I’ve so far played it just once (limited to double-digit watts due to a knee injury) and was sold on the idea instantly. Indeed got a strong dodging buses and cabs while riding down 5th Ave vibe.
And yeah, this kind of gamified intervals would certainly make Zwift more interesting as well, but I’m not sure it works that well without the skill element of steering.