I make only half blind dovetails which is what the woodriver does. I use a HF jig but I replaced the template guide with one from Grizzly. The template guide mine came with is 1 inch spacing and I wanted 7/8 and it was also cast, not machined and I wanted the smoother finish. Even with the new template guide it was significantly less than the sale price of the woodriver. I think the normal price of the HF is $40. I think the template guide was about $20. But I did not look either up to be sure. I recently bought another HF and stripped it down to do domino drawer joints (for plywood). I got it on sale for $30.
Both my HF and the woodriver have a bar to limit the depth it cuts into the fronts (or backs). That is a useful feature, especially if you use nominal 1/2 plywood that is really thinner. But it also is a bit difficult to set up. If the directions are good (the HF were not) it isn't too bad. I found some other directions on line. You also have to set the amount the fronts are offset from the sides. And the dovetail bit depth. I am pretty sure the PC half blind jig gives you more help with these settings. But a jig like the HF or woodriver will do excellant dovetails, it just is a little harder to set up. I mention this because it sounds like you do not have a lot of experience. That is not a killer as long as you are patient and count on spending at least an hour on the initial setup.