It seems like thats the only score they give now. They've given it to like 5 games...they've also given three 9.7s...

they don't like to give convenient numbers, notice all of the 7.9s and 8.9s. I think they do it just to annoy people.

well maybe the games deserve those scores

Just a small correction. 

I think it has to do with IGN trying to be more realistic with it's scoring system so that 9.8+'s are reserved for the once in a console's life game.  That means the top tier games so far will gravitate to the 9.7 score and games that are extremely good but have some minor flaw that holds it back will land on the 9.4 score (since 9.0 is extremely good with a few minor flaws and 9.5 is extremely good with only minor quibbles). 

Of course I don't know for sure how they rate games (and every reviewer will have differences no matter how small) but that's just what I've picked up from listening to the Nintendo editors explain various scores and the general rating policy on their wiik in review podcasts.

They need to make room in the upper end for the near-10s...

Most of them are shooters which saddens me a bit ...

There have simply been lots of good games recently. The 360 is starting to receive the second waves of quality games since its release, Nintendo has gotten on with releasing their highest caliber first party games, and the PS3 is well.. getting lots of 360 ports.