Just played a story mission (No spoilers) and I realised after finishing it that I would have gotten away with it much better if I had used one or two abillites but I constantly keep forgetting that they exist.

I mean like Blinding Laser, Focus, etc.

One would think so but I just click on what I want taken care of and the game does an amazing job at picking what abilities to use automatically. (Shoot, takedown, pick up, stabilize, etc.)

I keep forgetting to use them too - except for Focus, since it really helps avoiding bullets. Basically, if I can't kill an enemy or set up the kill for another agent this turn, then I focus. Also, the turn after doing something that uses awareness - if I don't need them to shoot someone - focus. Focus saves lives. ;)

However, I often forget to use Blinding laser, exertion and the like. I think I remembered to use exertion once so far, and lucky I did otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get everyone back in time.

It's possible I never check for blinding laser because the agent(s) with it usually have a chance to take someone out (or help someone get taken out). It's also possible that the changes to weapon ranges (which were needed and are appreciated BTW) have almost entirely eliminated the need for abilities like blinding laser, since my guys are usually safe behind heavy cover. It's equally possible that I don't bother with it because I usually have a smoke support available - or failing that, a smoke bomb.

Oooh I LOVE Focus so I never forget that one - but you're right I haven't really used the Laser yet... of course I'm still early on and haven't really stormed any hardpoints. Usually I'm sneaking my way around and only trigger combat at the very end when I'm ready to bug out.

So my combat is less Breach / Laser and more fall back firing.

I DO constantly forget to throw a disguise on one of my guys at mission start. I'll be a turn or two in going "Doh!" but being too lazy to restart ;) Gotta stop doing that as it would make things worlds easier.